Gang jailed for web banking fraud
Updated on 13 November 2009
A gang of internet fraudsters has been jailed for using a sophisticated computer virus to steal £600,000 from bank customers.
Once the "malicious software" had infected their computers, it waited until users logged on to accounts, checked they had enough money and then insinuated itself into online cash transfer procedures.
As authentic-looking screen pages appeared with NatWest's logo for "added authenticity", victims were encouraged to tap in their passwords, pin codes and telephone numbers.
The software also quelled suspicions by insisting the "additional security measures" had been introduced "to keep you secure". But London's Southwark Crown Court heard nothing could have been further from the truth. Dominic Connolly, prosecuting, said the Trojan virus used by the gang allowed account holders to continue with normal transactions while secretly setting up new payee details.
Cash was then siphoned off into so-called "mule" accounts under the gang's control. Much of it ended up in the Ukraine, the location of the computer server that generated the bogus screen pages. Money was also wired to Moscow. "Then a few days later, maybe a week, the unsuspecting bank customer will come to realise money is missing from his account," said counsel.
"In fact as a result of this Trojan virus fraud very many people - 138 customers - were affected in this way with just under £600,000 being fraudulently transferred. Some of that money, nearly £140,000, was recouped by NatWest's parent company the Royal Bank of Scotland after they became aware of this scam."
The court heard inquiries eventually led police to Uzbekistan national Azamat Rahmanov and his home in Scawen Road, Lewisham, south-east London. English language student Rahmanov, 25, regarded as one of the organisers of the scam, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud and transferring criminal property between February 2 and April 9 this year. He was jailed for four-and-a-half years and faces deportation on his release.
In the dock with him was Portuguese Recardo Pereira, 36, of King Edward Road, Barking, Essex, who looked after some of mule accounts. He admitted the same charges and received 21 months.
Two others were also jailed - "trusted lieutenant" Uzbekistani Shohruh Fayziev, a 23-year old hotel concierge, of Peckham Rye, Southwark, south-east London, who got four years, and Angolan-born "facilitator" Joao Cruz, a 33-year-old supermarket supervisor and UK national, of Vauxhall Street, Vauxhall, south London, who was given three years.
Former political refugee Cruz admitted conspiracy to defraud and possessing a false Angolan passport with intent, while his co-defendant, who also faces deportation, pleaded guilty to transferring criminal property. A confiscation hearing will be held on March 22 next year.
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