British police arrest teen in connection to MGM cyberattack

British police
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Authorities in Walsall, England took an unnamed 17-year-old boy into custody for allegations related to the far-reaching MGM Resorts cyberattack that took place last year.

Local authorities worked in tandem with the British National Crime Agency as well as the FBI to apprehend the suspect last week.

The suspect has since been released on bail and is facing charges of violating the Blackmail and Computer Misuse Act.

 “Today’s arrest is a testimony to the strength of the FBI’s domestic, international, and private sector partnerships,” said FBI Cyber Division Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran.

““This arrest has been made following a complex investigation which stretches overseas to America. We have been working closely with the National Crime Agency and FBI,” said Regional Organized Crime Unit for the West Midlands Cyber Crime Unit Manager Detective Inspector Hinesh Mehta.

“These cyber groups have targeted well known organisations with ransomware and they have successfully targeted multiple victims around the world taking from them significant amounts of money. We want to send out a clear message that we will find you. It’s simply not worth it.”

The attack took place last fall and created substantial disruption at MGM properties nationwide. MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle said the incident cost the company at least $100 million. It has also spawned a series of lawsuits between the company and the Federal Trade Commission.

“The FBI, in coordination with its partners, will continue to relentlessly pursue malicious actors who target American companies, no matter where they may be located or how sophisticated their techniques are.”

“We’re proud to have assisted law enforcement in locating and arresting one of the alleged criminals responsible for the cyber attack against MGM Resorts and many others. We know first-hand the damage these criminals can do and the importance of working with law enforcement to fight back. By voluntarily shutting down our systems, refusing to pay a ransom and working with law enforcement on their investigation and response, the message to criminals was clear: it’s not worth it,” MGM Resorts said in a statement.

Another Brit was arrested in Spain last month for ties to a different cybersecurity attack on BetMGM that involved hacking into player accounts and stealing funds.