Law enforcement agencies from around the world have shut down a global malware network which stole $5.9bn (£4.65bn) and is linked to other crimes, th

One of world's biggest botnets taken down, US says

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2024-05-30 06:00:04

Law enforcement agencies from around the world have shut down a global malware network which stole $5.9bn (£4.65bn) and is linked to other crimes, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) has said.

The DOJ partnered with the FBI and other international agencies to take down what was "likely the world’s largest botnet ever”.

Chinese national YunHe Wang, who is also a St Kitts and Nevis citizen, has been charged with creating and operating the network.

Mr Wang is charged with conspiracy to commit computer fraud, substantive computer fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

According to the indictment, between 2014 to 2022, Mr Wang and others created and operated the botnet, called 911 S5, from about 150 servers around the world.

The botnet was used to carry out cyber attacks, large-scale fraud, child exploitation, harassment, bomb threats and export violations, the DOJ said.