In an operation by the Maltese Police with the aim of assisting the FBI’s investigations in the United States, a 27-year-old Maltese was arrested in connection with the sale of legal malware on the ‘darkweb’ as well as in connection with mentoring services on what is called ‘Hack Forum’.
This malware, known as a RAT (Remote Access Trojan), is used by criminals to gain access and control of victims’ computers or servers. It is understood that there are several victims in the United States who fell victim to this RAT. It is not yet known if there are victims in Malta.
The investigations in Malta were conducted by the Cyber Crime Unit, following a request for assistance from the United States, which indicated that a prime suspect in the sale of this RAT is Maltese. These investigations led to the identification of the Maltese suspect and other criminals he was associated with who are not Maltese and do not even live in Malta.
