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News Topical, Digital Desk : A major international cybercrime network has been busted by the US FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) and Indonesian police. This network used phishing to hack people's accounts and defraud them of millions of rupees.
Central to this entire operation was a unique tool called "W3LL," which criminals used to create fake login pages and obtain users' usernames and passwords. FBI officials stated that this wasn't just simple phishing, but a full-fledged cybercrime platform that was being used worldwide.
Website seized, accused in custody
During this operation, the website associated with 'W3LL' was seized and an FBI notice was placed on it. With the assistance of Indonesian police, the main developer of the tool, identified as 'GL', was detained. Several key domains associated with the network were also seized, significantly impacting its operations.
This tool was sold through an online marketplace called the "W3LL Store." Thousands of people's accounts were compromised through it. According to the FBI, by 2023, there were more than 25,000 compromised accounts on the platform. Between 2023 and 2024, approximately 17,000 more people were targeted. In total, approximately $20 million was defrauded or attempted through this network.
How did the network work?
The tool was sold to criminals for approximately $500. It included a 10 percent commission for referrals and a profit share for other partners. The investigation also revealed that the tool's developer also collected and sold compromised accounts, further expanding its reach.
The FBI has dismantled this network, but cyber experts believe the threat is far from over. European cybersecurity company Sequoia reports that other tools, called "Sneaky 2FA," exist that operate similarly. These tools operate through platforms like Telegram and create fake websites to easily deceive people.
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