Maltese Man Arrested In International Operation For Sale Of Illegal Malware On Dark Web
A 27-year-old Maltese man, Daniel Meli, was arrested for selling illegal malware on the dark web and for mentoring services on what is called ‘Hack Forum’.
This malware, known as a RAT (Remote Access Trojan), is used by criminals to gain access and control of victims’ computers or servers.
The man was arrested by Malta’s Police Force as part of a joint operation with the FBI and will be extradited to the United States.
The Cybercrime Unit spearheaded investigations in Malta following a request for aid from US authorities, who had determined that the primary suspect of the RAT sale was Maltese. Subsequently, local law enforcement succeeded in identifying the suspect, revealing that he collaborated with non-Maltese individuals residing abroad.
The man appeared in court yesterday before Duty Magistrate Giannella Camilleri Busuttil, where he consented to being extradited to the United States. He was remanded in custody pending further legal proceedings.
A Nigerian man, living in Nigeria, was identified as an accomplice and arrested.
Europol, in collaboration with several other states including the Australian Federal Police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, law enforcement agencies from Croatia, Finland, the Netherlands, Romania, Germany, and Nigeria, conducted additional operations in various countries related to the sale of illegal malware on the dark web.
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