The UK suspect faces multiple charges under various legislation, including fraud by false representation contrary to Section 2 of the Fraud Act (2006), possession of articles for fraud under Section 6 of the Fraud Act (2006), and unauthorised computer access violations under Sections 1 and 2 of the Computer Misuse Act (1990). A Joint Investigation Team (JIT) established earlier this year brings together Romanian Prosecutors, HMRC, and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to facilitate the swift investigation of serious cross-border crimes. The perpetrators gained unauthorised access to HMRC online accounts using personal information obtained through various external sources rather than direct cyberattacks on HMRC systems. According to the National Cyber Security Centre, HMRC was ranked as the third most spoofed government body in 2022, highlighting the ongoing threat landscape. Joint Investigation Team between HMRC, CPS, and Romanian prosecutors led the operation. Approximately 100,000 HMRC customers, representing 0.22% of the total customer base, were notified about unauthorised access attempts to their accounts. Thirteen suspects, aged between 23 and 53, were apprehended by the Romanian Police’s Economic Crimes Investigation Directorate in the counties of Ilfov, Giurgiu, and Calarasi. 13 suspects detained in Romania and 1 in Preston, UK, aged 23-53, in a coordinated international operation targeting a cybercriminal network. Additional charges include money laundering offences under Sections 327-329 of the Proceeds of Crime Act (2002) and cheating the Public Revenue contrary to Common Law.
This Cyber News was published on cybersecuritynews.com. Publication date: Tue, 15 Jul 2025 13:00:17 +0000