Police Central e-Crime Unit Makes First Arrests

The newly formed Police Central eCrime Unit (PCeU) has made its first arrests following collaboration with the banking industry.

Five men and four women were arrested for computer misuse, money laundering and conspiracy to defraud, following an operation in South East London which saw 50 police officers raid a number of addresses.

Following the arrests, 2 men have been charges with conspiracy to defraud, possession of articles for use in fraud and money laundering. Both defendants have been remanded in custody.

It is believed that the suspects were sending out a Trojan virus which was used to access personal bank accounts. Whilst arrests were made in London, the virus was sent using servers in different European locations.

These first arrests will be significant for the PCeU in showing those in business that a collaborative approach can lead to definitive action, and subsequent arrests and prosecution.

PCeU has a specific Partnership Development Team and aims to develop an industry network to “enable intelligence and information exchange on e-crime”.