Teenager arrested for purchasing video games and meals with bitcoin obtained through extortion
In a stunning revelation, Thalha Jubair, a UK teenager, has been accused of being a member of the notorious Scattered Spider cybercrime gang. The US Justice Department has charged Jubair with conspiracies related to at least 120 Scattered Spider computer network intrusions and extortion attacks.
The Scattered Spider, active since at least 2022, is infamous for its involvement in SIM-swapping, social engineering, and ransomware activities. Jubair is alleged to have bilked more than 100 organizations out of at least $115 million in ransom payments.
The gang is suspected in several high-profile retail intrusions and one of its alleged victims is the US federal court system. In this case, the conspirators gained access, took over additional accounts, and exfiltrated data, including the names, usernames, roles, and mobile telephone numbers for US Courts personnel.
Portions of ransom payments from at least five below victims were traced to wallets on a server that the FBI claims Jubair controlled. The FBI seized about $36 million in cryptocurrency from these wallets. Conversations recovered from the seized server show that Jubair's online alias "Austin" told another individual that he "turned 18 three weeks ago," with the investigation revealing that Jubair's 18th birthday was approximately three weeks before this conversation.
A Blockchain analysis revealed that cryptocurrency contained in a wallet discovered on the seized server was used to purchase five guys for a food delivery company, with delivery to Jubair's apartment complex. A gaming account accessed using credentials registered to Jubair was linked to the purchase of five gift cards for a gaming company using one of the wallets.
Jubair used a Telegram account with the identifier "Brad" and the handle @autistic to discuss spider solitaire intrusions with another co-conspirator. The search results do not provide the name of the other teenager allegedly associated with the Scattered Spider Gang.
At least seven members of the Scattered Spider were arrested last year. Jubair appeared in a British court on Thursday. The ransom demands from five victim companies totaled at least $89.5 million in bitcoin. The highest ransom payouts were over $25 million and $36.2 million to two organizations.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of cybercrime and the importance of secure digital practices. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.
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