A Pakistani citizen residing in New South Wales, Australia, has been charged with the illegal acquisition of private financial details by more than 100 Australians. As stated, the information pilfered was used to apply unlawfully for scores of high-end mobile services.
This arrest took place on Wednesday, the 27th of November, as part of an Australian Federal Police (AFP)-led investigation in conjunction with the Joint Policing Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (JPC3). Various telecommunications companies, including Optus and TPG Telecom, participated in the enforcement operation that resulted in the execution of a search warrant at his home in Auburn, which is located in Sydney’s western suburbs. Inside the house, investigators found more than $1 million cash and more than 500 SIM cards along with 21 electronic devices, including laptops and mobile phones.
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Also seized in this operation were some credit cards and some financial documents. He also apparently impersonated a telecommunications service representative via which victims were “scammed”. Reportedly, calls will then be made to victims enticing them to update their mobile devices and send a one-time PIN for verification, which the accused will intercept to perpetrate fraudulent transactions.
This investigation would link the individual with more than 100 victims throughout Australia, showing just how far-reaching the cybercrime really was. The accused is expected to come before the Sydney Downing Centre Local Court, where further details will be provided.