Polish police and FBI bust SIM-swap crypto gang

Polish police, with FBI support, arrested four suspects for SIM-swap attacks that stole crypto and laundered millions. The group used social engineering and software to hijack phone numbers and drain assets.

Polish authorities have arrested four individuals suspected of being part of an organized cybercrime group responsible for SIM-swap attacks targeting cryptocurrency holders. The operation, conducted with support from the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations, focused on suspects who allegedly used specialized software and social engineering tactics to infiltrate IT systems and employee email accounts of companies linked to telecommunications operators. By gaining this access, the group was able to hijack victims’ phone numbers, bypass security protocols, reset passwords, and seize control of cryptocurrency exchange accounts. This allowed them to drain digital assets before victims could respond or regain access to their accounts. The investigation is overseen by the Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Krakow. All four suspects are currently in pre-trial detention, facing charges such as running an organized criminal group, theft by hacking, and money laundering. Prosecutors estimate the laundered funds to be worth several million dollars.