- The NCA stops four people suspected of having participated in recent attacks
- M&S, Co-OP and Harrods have all struck by cyber attacks
- The arrested group is accused of organized crime, money laundering and more
The National Crime Agency (NCA) UK arrested four people suspected of having participated in recent cyber attacks against M&S, Co-OP and Harrods.
A press release from the NCA said that the police had apprehended two 19 -year -old men, a 17 -year -old, and a 20 -year -old woman in the West Midlands and London, who all seized their electronic equipment.
They are suspected of offenses on the law on computer abuses, as well as blackmail, money laundering and participation in the activities of an organized crime group.
Dragonforce
“Since these attacks have taken place, investigators specializing in NCA cybercrime have worked in Pace and the investigation remains one of the agency’s highest priorities,” said deputy director Paul Foster, head of the National Cybercrime of the NCA. “Today’s arrests are an important step in this survey, but our work continues, alongside partners in the United Kingdom and abroad, to ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice.”
At the end of April and early May 2025, three large British retailers, M&S, cooperative and Harrods all underwent major cyber attacks.
The blow on Marks and Spencer assigned stores nationwide and has led “small changes” for storage operations to protect “and business” customers. The retailer confirmed that the click and collection services were affected by the technical problems accordingly, and certain stores could not treat contactless payments.
Co-OP suffered differently, while threat actors (who have been named “Dragonforce”) left with a heavy archive of business sensitive data, including customer information.
“These data include the personal data of the members of the cooperative group such as names and contact details, and do not include the passwords of members, bank details or credit cards, transactions or information relating to the products or services of members or customers with the cooperative group,” said the company at the time.
“Cyberattacks can be extremely disruptive for businesses and I want to thank M&S, Co-OP and Harrods for their support for our surveys. Hopefully to future victims the importance of requesting support and engaging with the police in the statement of the declaration process. The NCA and the police are here to help.”
