DUNSTABLE is at the centre of a two-year, worldwide FBI investigation, as an arrest was made in connection with the largest international “carding” law enforcement action in history.
Preventing the loss of an estimated $205million, Operation Card Shop stretches back to June 2010, when the FBI began tracking an internet forum called “Carder Profit” – on which users shared fraud tactics and advice.
“Carding” refers to the theft of personal and financial information, and using it to obtain money or goods.
As many as 411,000 credit cards are thought to have been “compromised” worldwide by the racket, as well as 47 companies, government entities, and educational institutions.
11 people were apprehended in the US, and arrests were also made in Australia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Japan, Germany and Norway.
The offenders in the US alone face a maximum total of 171 years in prison if convicted, but the identity of the Dunstablian arrested in connection with the racket is not known at this stage.
FBI Assistant Director Janice K. Fedarcyk said: “From New York to Norway, Operation Card Shop targeted sophisticated, highly organised cyber criminals involved in buying and selling stolen identities, exploited credit cards, counterfeit documents, and sophisticated hacking tools.
“[The] arrests cause significant disruption to the underground economy and are a stark reminder that masked IP addresses and private forums are no sanctuary for criminals and are not beyond the reach of the FBI.”
The FBI were working closely with the Serious Organised Crime Agency in the UK.
SOCA’s Head of Cyber Crime Lee Miles said: “SOCA continues to work with partners in the UK and abroad to protect the public from internet-enabled organised crime.
“Anyone tempted to involve themselves in this kind of activity should be aware that they risk a knock at the door, which in turn could lead to a prison sentence.”
There were five other arrests in the UK including one aged under 18.
