The UK’s National Crime Agency has arrested four people over a series of disruptive cyberattacks that targeted leading British retailers earlier this year.
The agency arrested three teenage males and one 20-year-old female in the West Midlands and London on suspicion of Computer Misuse Act offenses, blackmail, money laundering and participating in the activities of an organised crime group, it said in a statement Thursday (July 10).
The arrests were made in connection with an investigation into hacks in April that targeted Marks and Spencer Group Plc, Co-Op and Harrods.
The attack on M&S locked down the company’s internal systems with ransomware, causing weeks of disruption to online sales and costing the company an estimated £300 million ($408 million) in operating profit. Meanwhile, the Co-Op said hackers stole data from its internal systems on “a significant number” of its customers.
Paul Foster, head of the National Crime Agency’s cybercrime unit, said the investigation into the attacks was one of his organisation’s highest priorities.
“Today’s arrests are a significant step in that investigation but our work continues, alongside partners in the UK and overseas, to ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice,” he said at a press conference Thursday.
Also Read: How AI is rewriting India’s food consumption; traditional nutritious foods take a back seat
