The pirates had no idea. But this time, their victim wasn’t just anyone. And they made the mistake of attacking the Rhône Interregional Police Department (DIPN). Two men were arrested on April 22 for having hijacked the police telephone subscription management system. They then ordered SIM cards and used the phone numbers to carry out SMS scams.
Between March 29 and April 3, 2024, the police discovered that they had been hacked and that the access codes to their administrator accounts had been modified. Investigators from the financial brigade, responsible for the investigations by the Lyon public prosecutor’s office, discovered that SIM cards had been ordered. They are used to feed “layers”, these people who use stolen SIM cards to carry out SMS scams.
42,000 euros seized
Investigators manage to find a phone used with fraudulently acquired cards. And above all to identify its user. This is a man already suspected of having committed similar offenses, but by attacking private companies. Placed in police custody, he names an accomplice who is in turn arrested. The latter denies his involvement in the facts, despite the evidence discovered during the search of his home.
On April 24, the duo was indicted and placed in pre-trial detention. A judicial investigation has been opened. In addition, justice seized a vehicle as well as 42,000 euros in a bank account. Contacted by 20 minutesthe Lyon public prosecutor’s office has not yet answered our questions.