The EITHOS project is dedicated to supporting individuals in combating online identity theft, including phishing. Phishing involves stealing personal data by sending fraudulent messages that trick users into providing sensitive information.
EUROPOL played a key role in coordinating the operation
Recently, EUROPOL played a key role in dismantling an international crime network involved in unlocking stolen or lost mobile phones using a phishing platform.
This achievement was the result of an international investigation, where law enforcement agencies strengthened their cooperation. In particular, EUROPOL collaborated with the Spanish National Police, Guardia Civil, Argentine National Gendarmerie, Argentine Federal Police, Chilean Investigative Police, Colombian National Police, Ecuadorian National Police, and the Peruvian National Police.
The involvement of these law enforcement agencies highlights the global scale of the case, particularly its impact on Spanish-speaking countries. Investigators reported that the network victimized 480,000 people worldwide.
The joint operation, conducted between September 10 and 17, resulted in the arrest of the Argentine mastermind behind the phishing platform. For the first time, EUROPOL’s European Cybercrime Centre coordinated the efforts in partnership with Ameripol’s Specialized Cybercrime Centre, marking a successful collaboration between European and Latin American law enforcement.
Smart tips to avoid phishing cases
| Before reacting, take a moment to stay calm and carefully examine the message. First, check the sender—while phishing messages often mimic those from reputable organizations, criminals do not have legitimate credentials. Verify the email address and be cautious if the message urges you to act quickly. Remember, trusted organizations like your bank will never ask for sensitive information over the phone or by email. Additionally, ensure you have reliable antivirus software installed on all your electronic devices, use a unique password for each of your accounts, and always think twice before taking any action. |