Four individuals have been arrested in the UK as part of an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) into cyber attacks targeting major retailers M&S, Co-op, and Harrods. The suspects, two males aged 19, another aged 17, and a 20-year-old female, were apprehended in the West Midlands and London on suspicion of offences under the Computer Misuse Act, blackmail, money laundering, and participation in an organised crime group.
The arrests were made at the suspects’ home addresses, where electronic devices were seized for digital forensic analysis. They are currently in custody, being questioned by officers from the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit about the attacks that occurred in April this year. The attacks, reportedly linked to the Scattered Spider group, disrupted online orders, contactless payments, and in-store stock levels.
Paul Foster, Deputy Director and head of the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit, stated: “Since these attacks took place, specialist NCA cybercrime investigators have been working at pace, and the investigation remains one of the Agency’s highest priorities. Today’s arrests are a significant step in that investigation, but our work continues, alongside partners in the UK and overseas, to ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice. Cyber attacks can be hugely disruptive for businesses, and I’d like to thank M&S, Co-op, and Harrods for their support in our investigations. Hopefully, this signals to future victims the importance of seeking support and engaging with law enforcement as part of the reporting process. The NCA and policing are here to help.”
