Bulgarian Arrested for Hacking ATMs in Nonthaburi

In a shocking turn of events, Bulgarian national Ivan Valchev, 50, has been arrested by Thai authorities for his alleged involvement in a sophisticated hacking scheme that targeted multiple ATMs in Nonthaburi. The suspect is believed to be linked to a foreign gang responsible for installing malware-infected data cables, which caused several bank machines to dispense more cash than requested.

According to sources within the Cyber Crime Police Division 1, Valchev was detained at a rented house in tambon Bang Phlap of Pak Kret district on Tuesday. The arresting team also impounded the stolen cables and other equipment believed to have been used in the thefts. However, the exact amounts stolen are still unknown.

The arrest stemmed from a complaint made by a financial institution in March, which was not publicly disclosed. Investigators reported that a group of individuals dressed like ATM mechanics used what appeared to be a master key to open the machines and remove the data cable from the inside, replacing it with a new one. This malicious act delivered malware called Jackpot into the system, causing disruptions and allowing the hackers to siphon off more cash than intended.

A source revealed that the malware had a surprising effect on the ATMs, causing them to dispense more money than the amount input on the keypad. By reviewing surveillance footage, police were able to track the movement of a rented white Honda City car, which was allegedly used by the suspects to target various bank sites. A total of 13 ATMs were reportedly affected by the hacking scheme.

Police tracked the behavior of the suspects for an extended period, leading to Valchev's arrest. However, when questioned about his involvement, the suspect initially denied the charges, claiming that the equipment belonged to him and stating that his only duty was to open the machines.

The incident highlights the growing threat of cybercrime in Thailand, with ATMs being a common target for hackers. The authorities' swift action in arresting Valchev is seen as a significant blow to the perpetrators, and it serves as a warning to those who would seek to exploit vulnerable systems for financial gain.