Law Enfocement Shuts Down Imminent Monitor Malware, Makes Arrests

guest · Nov 29, 2019

Law Enfocement Shuts Down Imminent Monitor Malware, Makes Arrests
November 29, 2019
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/ne...-down-imminent-monitor-malware-makes-arrests/

Law enforcement agencies from numerous countries have shut down the Imminent Monitor Remote Access Trojan (RAT) and have arrested thirteen of its most prolific users.
In an operation led by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and other law enforcement agencies, the site for Imminent Monitor was seized and users who used the software to illegally take over computers were arrested.

"Search warrants were executed in Australia and Belgium in June 2019 against the developer and one employee of IM-RAT. [...] Over 430 devices were seized and forensic analysis of the large number of computers and IT equipment seized continues," Europol stated in a press release.
Shady RAT
For those not familiar with Remote Access Trojans, or RATs, they are malware programs that when installed on a victim's device allows an attacker to gain full access to the computer. This includes executing any command, taking screenshots, uploading and downloading files, and using the device's webcam to record video.
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Europol: International crackdown on RAT spyware which takes total control of victims’ PCs

guest · Aug 1, 2022

Australian Man Charged for Developing Imminent Monitor RAT
August 1, 2022

The suspect, who has not been named, is said to have created the remote access trojan (RAT) when he was 15 years old. He has been charged on six counts related to his alleged role in creating, selling and managing the malware between 2013 and 2019, when the IM RAT infrastructure was taken down as part of an international law enforcement operation.

The man, whose court hearing is scheduled for later this month, faces up to 20 years in prison.
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Authorities identified the IM RAT developer, known online as “Shockwave”, in 2019, with the aid of cybersecurity company Palo Alto Networks. The firm’s researchers did not have much trouble uncovering the real identity and location of the IM RAT developer, who was linked to a company where his mother was listed as the registered agent.

When IM RAT infrastructure was shut down in 2019, police also arrested a dozen users of the malware. Its alleged developer was arrested the same year, but it appears charges were only brought against him now. The investigation conducted by Australian law enforcement is ongoing.
Australian police believe the 24-year-old made between $300,000 and $400,000 from selling the malware.
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AFP (Australian Federal Police): AFP charges man with creating global spyware tool

An Australian man, 24, who sparked a global law enforcement operation for allegedly creating and selling spyware purchased by domestic violence perpetrators and other criminals, has been charged by the AFP.
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