Fifty members of a Russian hacker group have been arrested on suspicion of stealing 1.7 billion rubles ($25.5 million) from the country's banks, the Interfax news agency reported Wednesday.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) — alongside Interior Ministry and National Guard troops — made arrests in 15 regions across the country.
Eighteen suspects were denied bail, while another three were placed under house arrest. All suspects have been charged with the creation, distribution and use of malicious computer programs.
Police seized computer and communications equipment, bank cards, financial documents and large sums of money during the raids.
The investigation is set to continue, Interfax reported.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.