Russian-led cybercrime network dismantled in global operation

Cyber-attacks aimed at destabilising governments or simple theft and blackmail are becoming increasingly pernicious. Photograph: Andrew Brookes/Getty Images/Image Source

European and North American cybercrime investigators say they have dismantled the heart of a malware operation directed by Russian criminals after a global operation involving British, Canadian, Danish, Dutch, French, German and US police.

International arrest warrants have been issued for 20 suspects, most of them living in Russia, by European investigators while indictments were unsealed in the US against 16 individuals.