North Shore Times (New Zealand)
Kiwis caught in global cybercrime, phishing
CATRIN OWEN
New Zealand police have identified three suspects in a significant cybercrime operation which has targeted thousands of people worldwide tricking them into providing personal information such as online banking logins and credit card details.
New Zealand police worked with Europol, executed a multi-national operation targeting the phishing as a service platform, LabHost.
Cybercrime investigator detective sergeant Richard Briscoe said police allege the LabHost platform enabled users to operate “phishing kit” websites, which imitate the websites of real online services to trick recipients of SMS phishing messages into providing their banking, bankcard or other online account credentials.
“Offenders then use this information to fraudulently obtain funds or property.”
Briscoe said three addresses across Auckland were searched on Wednesday.
“As part of this ongoing investigation we identified three suspected LabHost users and this week were able to execute search warrants at a number of properties.
“The searches were successful, with a number of computers, other electronic devices and documents seized.”
He said the materials will now be analysed as part of the ongoing investigations.
“We hope this serves as a warning to potential scammers that New Zealand authorities will not tolerate scams of any nature.”
Briscoe said European law enforcement agencies were able to obtain a large amount of intelligence on LabHost.
“Europol coordinated actions by law enforcement agencies worldwide, beginning with the arrest of the administrators of the platform on 15 April 2024 followed by arrests of LabHost users around the world.”
The Australian Federal Police reported five people had been arrested in Australia and the offenders were allegedly among 10,000 cybercriminals globally who have used the LabHost platform.
If you believe you are the victim of a scam, you can report it to Police at 105. police.govt.nz or via our 105 phone service.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.