Ethical Hacking News
A massive market for confidential information has been uncovered after a crime ring compromised several Italian state databases, reselling stolen data to customers who used it for various purposes. The investigation has revealed a complex network of digital espionage professionals and highlights the growing threat of cybercrime.
Italian authorities have uncovered a massive market for confidential information after a crime ring compromised several state databases. A complex network of digital espionage professionals, including hackers and law enforcement members, was involved in the investigation. The crime ring tapped into three key databases: one on suspicious financial activities, one on citizens' bank transactions, and one on police investigations. The stolen data may have been used to spy and blackmail politicians and businesses, or shared with foreign intelligence agencies. Four individuals, including Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio, have already been arrested as part of the investigation. The charges include unauthorized access to computer systems, interception, falsification, disclosure, aiding and abetting, and extortion. The investigation is ongoing, with dozens of others suspected of involvement in the crime ring.
Italian authorities have uncovered a massive market for confidential information after a crime ring compromised several state databases, reselling stolen data to customers who used it for various purposes. The investigation, led by Italy's national anti-mafia prosecutor Giovanni Melillo, has revealed a complex network of digital espionage professionals, including hackers, IT consultants, private intelligence agencies, and law enforcement members.
According to sources cited in the media, the crime ring allegedly tapped into three key databases: one gathering alerts over suspicious financial activities; one used by the national tax agency with citizens' bank transactions, utility bills, income statements; and the police investigations' database. The organization amassed a huge trove of sensitive data that was offered to its customers who used it for different purposes.
The stolen data may have been used to spy and blackmail politicians and businesses, however, foreign intelligence agencies had also access to this data. The investigation follows another clamorous case in Italy, where the bank Intesa Sanpaolo is under investigation by prosecutors after a former employee illegally spied on account data of thousands of its customers.
The charges being pursued by investigators include criminal conspiracy for unauthorized access to computer systems, illegal interception, falsification of electronic communications, disclosure of confidential information, aiding and abetting, and extortion. Four individuals have already been arrested as part of the investigation, including Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio, who is also under investigation.
Leonardo Maria del Vecchio's lawyer has stated that his client "eagerly awaits the completion of preliminary investigations to be able to prove he has nothing to do with the events in question and that charges laid against him have no basis." The lawyer claims that Del Vecchio seems to be a victim given the initial allegations and the negative outcome of the search conducted.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are still investigating dozens of other individuals who may be involved in the crime ring. The case highlights the growing threat of cybercrime and the need for increased security measures to protect sensitive data.
Related Information:
https://securityaffairs.com/170328/data-breach/a-crime-ring-compromised-italian-state-databases.html
https://decripto.org/en/state-data-theft-who-are-the-suspects-enrico-pezzali-carmine-gallo-and-nunzio-samuele-calamucci/
Published: Mon Oct 28 11:10:13 2024 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
