Current:Home > BackInterpol and FBI break up a cyber scheme in Moldova to get asylum for wanted criminals-LoTradeCoin
Interpol and FBI break up a cyber scheme in Moldova to get asylum for wanted criminals
View Date:2024-12-23 20:39:08
PARIS (AP) — A multinational operation by Interpol and the FBI cracked down on attempts in Moldova to sabotage one of the international police agency’s key tools, the Red Notice system, officials said Tuesday. Four people were detained in the eastern European country.
The joint sting, which also involved cooperation with French and British authorities, uncovered an international criminal organization with ties to individuals in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus suspected of cybercrime, Moldova’s anticorruption chief said.
The suspected individuals “paid intermediaries and public figures in Moldova to inform wanted criminals of (their) Red Notice status,” Veronica Dragalin, the anticorruption chief, told reporter.
The notice flags people deemed fugitives to law enforcement worldwide and is one of Interpol’s most important tools. The investigation led to the detention of four people for 72 hours on suspicion of interfering with the notices, Dragalin said.
The scheme sought to have people subject to Red Notices “obtain asylum or refugee status” in Moldova and other countries “with the aim of blocking and deleting” the notices by bribing public officials, she added.
The sums of money involved, she said, amount to several million dollars (euros).
Interpol said the operation by the international policing agency, headquartered in Lyon, France, followed the detection of attempts to “block and delete” the notices, which flag people deemed fugitives to law enforcement worldwide.
Moldova opened an investigation on April 2, after receiving information from France’s National Financial Prosecutor’s Office, and subsequently requested the assistance of the FBI.
“We are committed to fighting high-level corruption in all of its forms, particularly those schemes that put in jeopardy criminal investigations worldwide,” Dragalin said.
A statement from Interpol said the agency has taken steps to prevent further “misuse of its systems.”
“Our robust monitoring systems identified suspicious activity,” said Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock. “We took immediate action, including reporting the issue to law enforcement authorities in our host country France.”
Stock highlighting the vast number of individuals subject to Red Notices — over 70,000 people — but did not elaborate on the attempted sabotage.
When reached by The Associated Press, Interpol said because it was a Moldovan-French probe, it would not be appropriate for the agency to elaborate on an ongoing investigation.
___
McGrath reported from Sighisoara, Romania.
veryGood! (44)
Related
- Denzel Washington teases retirement — and a role in 'Black Panther 3'
- Arkansas Supreme Court asked to disqualify ballot measure that would block planned casino
- Police unions often defend their own. But not after the Sonya Massey shooting.
- Scottie Scheffler 'amazed' by USA gymnastic team's Olympic gold at Paris Games
- Statue of the late US Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights icon, is unveiled in his native Alabama
- Bruce Willis and Wife Emma Heming's Daughters Look So Grown Up in New Video
- Patrick Dempsey Comments on Wife Jillian's Sexiness on 25th Anniversary
- Massachusetts lawmaker pass -- and pass on -- flurry of bills in final hours of formal session
- NBA players express concern for ex-player Kyle Singler after social media post
- 2 New York City police officers shot while responding to robbery, both expected to survive
Ranking
- South Carolina does not set a date for the next execution after requests for a holiday pause
- 2024 Olympics: How Brazilian Gymnast Flavia Saraiva Bounced Back After Eye Injury
- Illinois sheriff whose deputy shot Sonya Massey says it will take rest of his career to regain trust
- West Virginia Republican Gov. Jim Justice in fight to keep historic hotel amid U.S. Senate campaign
- DWTS’ Sasha Farber and Jenn Tran Prove They're Closer Than Ever Amid Romance Rumors
- Body of 20-year-old North Carolina man recovered after 400-foot fall at Grand Canyon National Park
- Court filings provide additional details of the US’ first nitrogen gas execution
- Arkansas Supreme Court asked to disqualify ballot measure that would block planned casino
Recommendation
-
'Bizarre:' Naked man arrested after found in crawl space of California woman's home
-
Did Katie Ledecky win? How she, Team USA finished in 4x200 free relay
-
2024 Olympics: Simone Biles Wins Gold During Gymnastics All-Around Final
-
Environmental Journalism Loses a Hero
-
These Yellowstone Gift Guide Picks Will Make You Feel Like You’re on the Dutton Ranch
-
Gabby Thomas was a late bloomer. Now, she's favored to win gold in 200m sprint at Olympics
-
Ammonia leak at Virginia food plant sends 33 workers to hospitals
-
Who will host 'Pop Culture Jeopardy!' spinoff? The answer is...