A 24-year-old Australian man has been identified as the alleged mastermind behind intrusive spyware used by domestic violence perpetrators and other criminals.
The Melburnian was just 15 when he allegedly created the ‘Imminent Monitor’ remote access trojan (RAT) which, once installed, allowed the perpetrators to control victims’ computers, steal their personal information and turn on their web cameras and microphones.
The program cost about $35 and was allegedly advertised on an online hacking forum.
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Some 14,500 people in 128 countries bought the software to use it, leading the Australian Federal Police to believe there were tens of thousands of spyware victims worldwide.
In Australia, more than 200 people bought the software, including 14 PayPal users who had previous or active domestic violence orders against them.
Another buyer was on the Child Sex Offender Registry.
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In a world first, the AFP discovered not only the users of the software, but also identified the victims of the spyware, of which there were 44 in Australia.
Cybercrime operations commander Chris Goldsmid said a key element of the software was its covert nature.
“Cybercrime is not just a crime against computers or computer networks … these crimes have real-world impacts, including the facilitation of stalking and domestic violence.”
Thirteen people were arrested worldwide and more than 430 devices were confiscated.
A 24-year-old Melbourne man has been arrested, accused of creating hacking software that allowed him to spy on other people. Credit: AFP
On July 6, the alleged creator was subpoenaed to face six charges for his alleged role in the creation, sale and administration of the software between 2013 and 2019.
Police will allege the man made $400,000 from selling the malware, with most of it spent on disposable and consumable items such as food delivery services.
A 42-year-old woman at the Frankston home was also charged with dealing in the proceeds of crime.
Police launched Operation Cepheus in 2017 when the FBI and a cyber security company alerted the Australian Federal Police to a suspected remote access Trojan.
The resulting global investigation involved more than a dozen law enforcement agencies in Europe.
“This operation is a testament to the importance of working together with the private sector and our law enforcement partners both internationally and domestically to tackle cybercrime in an increasingly digital world,” said Goldsmid .
The software was shut down by the Australian Federal Police in 2019 and stopped working on all devices worldwide.
Police investigations into the matter are ongoing.
If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In case of emergency, call 000. : Men’s reference service, 1300 766 491.
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