FBI strikes back at hacking group with overseas arrest of alleged leader

An alleged leader of the notorious global hacking syndicate ShinyHunters has been arrested in the Netherlands following a joint operation between the FBI and Dutch authorities, targeting a cybercrime network linked to high-profile attacks across the U.S. and worldwide.

Dutch police announced the arrest of a 24-year-old Amsterdam man Sept. 15 for his alleged role in the ShinyHunters hacking group and for attempting to incite two murders, with authorities noting that further arrests remain possible as they investigate seized electronic devices.

“This morning @FBI and our partners the Dutch National Police are announcing the arrest of one of the alleged leaders of ShinyHunters – a global cybercrime and threat actor group linked to cyberattacks in the United States, the Netherlands, and around the world,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote Tuesday morning on X. 

“In coordination with FBI investigators the Dutch High-Tech Crime Unit arrested the suspect under Dutch law. As we speak FBI teams are actively working with partners to obtain and execute more leads in the ongoing investigation based on this arrest. 

“Thank you to our Dutch National Police partners for their continued work with us in this case and the industry partners who shared information with us. The investigation continues.”

“The man is also suspected of attempted incitement to commit two murders,” according to a Dutch police release. “Various data carriers have been seized and are being investigated further. Further arrests are not ruled out.”

This is a breaking news update. Check back for more.