# Singaporean Suspect in International Data Breaches Arrested in Bangkok
A 39-year-old Singaporean man has been arrested in Bangkok, Thailand, in connection with dozens of high-profile hacking cases in the country and other nations. The arrest, which was facilitated by a collaboration between the Singapore Police Force and the Thai authorities, marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into a series of data breaches that have left numerous companies vulnerable to cyber attacks.
The suspect, identified only as Chingwei, was apprehended at his residence in Ramkhamhaeng district of Bangkok, where police also seized a luxury car, branded bags, and electronic devices used for hacking. The total value of the assets seized is estimated to be over 10 million baht (approximately $330,000 USD).
According to Pol Maj Gen Atip Phongsiwaphai, chief of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, the investigation began after a company reported receiving a threat from an unknown account, "0mid16B Group," demanding payment in exchange for keeping their customers' personal data private. The police contacted the Singapore Police Force, which revealed that the account belonged to Desorden GhostR, a well-known hacker who has been linked to numerous significant data breaches worldwide since 2020.
Police tracked the X account to Chingwei's residence and conducted a thorough search, uncovering evidence of his involvement in hacking database systems of at least 20 companies in Thailand and over 50 in other countries. One notable case involved the Black Canyon restaurant chain in 2024. When questioned by police, Chingwei admitted to targeting big companies and avoiding government agencies, stating that he earned money from selling stolen data on an online platform used for cryptocurrency transactions.
The dark web platform, where the data was sold, allows for anonymous transactions between buyers and sellers, making it challenging for authorities to track their identities. According to Chingwei, the minimum price for the stolen data was $10,000.
Pol Maj Gen Atip explained that the collaboration between the Singapore Police Force and the Thai authorities marked a significant milestone in the investigation, demonstrating the effectiveness of international cooperation in combating cyber crime. The arrest is seen as a major victory for law enforcement agencies worldwide, who are working tirelessly to protect individuals and businesses from the ever-evolving threats posed by hackers.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cybersecurity measures and the need for companies to remain vigilant against data breaches. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for governments and corporations to work together to prevent such incidents in the future. With this arrest, authorities have taken a significant step towards dismantling the operations of hackers like Desorden GhostR and protecting individuals and businesses from falling prey to their nefarious activities.