Five Charged in $6.3 Million Crypto Theft

The U.S. Department of Justice has charged five individuals linked to the Scattered Spider hacker group for allegedly stealing approximately $6.3 million in cryptocurrency through sophisticated phishing schemes. The accused include Ahmed Hossam Eldin Elbadawy, Noah Michael Urban, Evans Onyeaka Osiebo, Joel Martin Evans, and Tyler Robert Buchanan, with charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The group targeted employees from at least 45 companies across the U.S., Canada, and the UK using SMS phishing tactics that mimicked legitimate portals to bypass security measures. Prosecutors highlighted that this operation occurred from September 2021 to April 2023, affecting major tech and cryptocurrency firms. If convicted, the defendants could face up to 20 years in prison. This case underscores the ongoing threat of cybercrime, emphasizing the need for enhanced cybersecurity practices in organizations.