Chinese man arrested for allegedly running 'largest malware network ever' | Cybercrime news

U.S. officials say an army of 19 million infected computers enabled fraud, identity theft and child exploitation.

US authorities have announced the dismantling of a global network of 19 million infected computers used to facilitate and conceal cybercrime, including fraud, identity theft and child exploitation.

Yunhe Wang, 35, was arrested Friday for allegedly running the botnet known as “911 S5,” the U.S. Department of Justice announced Wednesday.

Wang allegedly managed the botnet comprising infected IP addresses in more than 190 countries over an eight-year period starting in 2014, generating millions of dollars by offering cybercriminals access to the network for a fee.

Wang allegedly generated $99 million from the scheme, using his illicit gains to purchase luxury cars and real estate in the United States, St. Kitts and Nevis, China, Singapore, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.

Wang allegedly spread his malware through virtual private network (VPN) programs, such as MaskVPN and DewVPN, and pay-per-install services that bundled his malware with other program files, including pirated versions of software licensed, according to court documents.

Justice Department officials said they seized assets valued at approximately $30 million and identified additional forfeitable property worth approximately $30 million, as part of the operation conducted in coordination with law enforcement agencies from Singapore, Thailand and Germany.

“This Department of Justice-led operation brought together law enforcement partners from around the world to disrupt 911 S5, a botnet that facilitated cyberattacks, large-scale fraud, child exploitation, harassment, bomb threats and export violations,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in a statement.

“This case clearly shows that the long arm of the law extends beyond borders and into the deepest shadows of the dark web, and the Department of Justice will never stop fighting to hold cybercriminals accountable.” , added Garland.

FBI Director Christopher Wray said the dismantled network was “probably the largest botnet ever created in the world.”

“This operation demonstrates the FBI's commitment to working side by side with our partners to protect American businesses and the American people, and we will work tirelessly to unmask and arrest cybercriminals who profit from this illegal activity,” Wray said in a statement. .

Wang faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, substantial wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.