FBI Arrests UK Teen Connected to MGM Resorts Hack

A 17-year-old from Walsall, UK, is under police custody as part of a global cybercrime probe aimed at hacking groups that targeted high-profile gambling operators, including MGM Resorts in the US. The arrest came on Thursday, 18 July, as part of a massive multi-agency operation by the West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit, the National Crime Agency (NCA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

This Is the Newest Arrest Connected to the MGM Hack

MGM Resorts is just one of the high-profile operators that suffered cyberattacks in 2023, as groups like Scattered Spider disrupted operations and caused significant losses. Such bad actors usually use methods like social engineering to gain access to restricted information and then blackmail companies, sometimes even resorting to threats of physical violence.

The teenager was taken into custody on suspicion of offenses under the Computer Misuse Act and for blackmail. He has since been released on bail while investigations continue. Law enforcement officers seized several digital devices from the suspect’s residence, which may contain vital information. Authorities hope the arrest will send a clear message to hackers, dissuading future cyberattacks.

Det. Insp. Hinesh Mehta, Cyber Crime Unit manager, provided insight into the operation, highlighting that ongoing efforts were part of an international investigation in close liaison with the National Crime Agency and FBI. This collaboration has proved fruitful as June saw authorities arrest a 22-year-old UK resident who was allegedly a key player in the hacking group Scattered Spider.

Global Collaboration Remains Paramount

High-profile victims, such as MGM Resorts, expressed satisfaction with the arrest. The company was glad to have been of assistance during the ongoing investigation. The operator highlighted how refusing to comply with blackmail, shutting down its systems, and collaborating with authorities sent a clear message to hackers that their efforts would ultimately be in vain.

We are forever grateful to the FBI for their support and work with international law enforcement to bring these criminals to justice.

MGM Resorts statement

Microsoft also lauded the efforts of law enforcement agencies. The tech giant aims to foster a safer online environment and remains committed to continuing its collaboration with public and private sector entities to fight cybercrime. Microsoft’s expertise was instrumental in dealing with the aftermath of the attacks against gambling companies, and it remains a vital player in these ongoing efforts.

As this outcome shows, we have greater impact when we come together to fight cybercrime.

Microsoft statement

The FBI also underscored the importance of global collaboration, pledging to pursue all malicious entities targeting US companies. The investigating authorities remain vigilant as they expect to break more of the elements of the massive hacking network that targeted all manners of crucial global enterprises in their ransomware attacks and remains a poignant threat.