In a major advance against cybercrime, authorities have arrested a 17-year-old boy from Walsall, England, for his alleged role in a cyberattack that heavily impacted MGM Resorts International. This arrest, resulting from international collaboration, highlights global efforts to address cyber threats targeting large corporations.
The teenager, taken into custody on Thursday, faces charges related to blackmail and breaches of the Computer Misuse Act, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The operation was a coordinated effort involving the Regional Organised Crime Unit for the West Midlands, the National Crime Agency, and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with MGM’s support. Post-arrest, the suspect was released on bond, awaiting further investigations.
Bryan Vorndran, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Cyber Division
This arrest is part of a wider effort to dismantle a global cybercrime group
This arrest is part of a wider effort to dismantle a global cybercrime group responsible for deploying ransomware against large organizations, accessing their networks unlawfully, and extorting significant sums of money. The cyberattack on MGM Resorts, which occurred in September, persisted for ten days, disrupting major operations and causing substantial financial losses, though MGM managed to mitigate much of the damage through insurance.
Bryan Vorndran, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Cyber Division, praised the robust international and private sector partnerships that facilitated the arrest. He stated: “The FBI, in coordination with its partners, will continue to relentlessly pursue malicious actors who target American companies, no matter where they may be located or how sophisticated their techniques are.”
The cyberattack’s reach extended beyond MGM Resorts, affecting other large entities as well. MGM Resorts commended the collaborative effort that led to the teenager’s arrest and acknowledged the crucial role of law enforcement in mitigating the attack’s effects. During the incident, MGM proactively shut down their systems and refused to pay the ransom, sending a clear message to the perpetrators.
In addition to the arrest, authorities seized several digital devices from the suspect’s residence, which are currently undergoing forensic examinations to gather more evidence. This ongoing investigation aims to dismantle the larger network involved in these sophisticated cybercrimes.
Detective Inspector Hinesh Mehta of the West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit described the investigation as complex and far-reaching, involving significant international collaboration. He stated: “These cyber groups have targeted well-known organizations with ransomware and have successfully extorted significant amounts of money from multiple victims worldwide,” according to a West Midlands Police press release.
