Russian net gang smashed

Crime fighters have swooped upon members of a Russian gang that are believed to have extorted hundreds of thousands of pounds from online betting sites.

A joint operation between the UK’s National Hi-Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU) and its counterparts in the Russian Federation resulted in the arrest of three men in Russia yesterday.

According to the NHTCU, online bookies in the UK have been subject to attacks and demands for money since October 2003. The arrested men are part of a gang that is suspected of launching attacks on the servers and websites of online sportsbooks.

The attacks bombarded the servers with thousands of messages, effectively shutting down the company and costing millions of pounds in lost business. The gang then sent email demands, asking for money in order for the attacks to be stopped for one year.

Detective Chief Superintendent Len Hynds, head of the NHTCU, said: “The success of this operation is built on the foundation of international partnerships between law enforcement and business. Thanks to the response of all the parties involved, we have helped to dismantle a determined group of organised criminals. The clear message we are sending is that if you attack firms based in the UK, we will find you and stop you.”

As part of the investigation, 10 members of the gang were arrested in Riga, Latvia, last November 2003. Officers were able to identify the financial trail which led to the gangsters arrested yesterday in Russia.