Hacker linked to 75 international data breaches, including 11 ransom cases in Singapore, taken into custody.

A 39-year-old cybercriminal believed to be behind 75 global hacking cases has been arrested in Thailand following an extensive joint operation between the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Royal Thai Police (RTP). The suspect, who allegedly stole data and demanded ransom from victims worldwide, was apprehended on February 26, 2025, with authorities seizing assets worth over THB 10 million (SGD 395,500).

Cybercrime has been a growing concern in Southeast Asia, with hacking syndicates exploiting security vulnerabilities to steal sensitive information. The Singapore-Thai operation that led to this high-profile arrest demonstrates increasing regional cooperation in tackling transnational cyber threats. Law enforcement agencies across the region are ramping up efforts to crack down on cybercriminals who exploit networks for ransom and illicit financial gains.

Massive Cybercrime Operation Uncovered

Authorities in Singapore and Thailand began investigating the suspect in 2020, after 11 victims in Singapore reported being targeted by ransom demands from various cybercriminal aliases, including Altdos, Desorden, GhostR, and 0mid16B. Investigators soon discovered that these aliases were all linked to the same hacker, who was allegedly responsible for at least 75 data breaches across multiple countries.

The suspect gained access to victims’ networks by exploiting system vulnerabilities, stealing sensitive data, and subsequently demanding ransom. If victims refused to pay, he would leak or sell their stolen information on illicit online forums. Singapore was not the only target, as the hacker was also linked to a series of cyberattacks in Thailand and other parts of the Asia-Pacific region.

Joint Police Operation Leads to Arrest

After years of investigation, officers from Singapore’s Cybercrime Command (CCC) under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) worked closely with the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the Royal Thai Police to track down the hacker. Following extensive intelligence gathering, police identified the suspect’s location and executed the arrest on February 26, 2025.

Upon his capture, Thai police seized assets exceeding THB 10 million (SGD 395,500), including high-end laptops, mobile phones, luxury vehicles, and designer bags. These items were believed to have been purchased using funds obtained from cybercriminal activities.

Notorious Hacker Behind Major Data Breaches

The suspect, described as one of the most active cybercriminals in the Asia-Pacific region since 2021, has been linked to several high-profile hacking cases. He allegedly orchestrated attacks on major companies, including:

• Protemps Employment Services (2021): Data from the employment agency was leaked online for €2.10 (SGD 3).
• PC Vendor Acer (India & Taiwan, 2021): The hacker claimed responsibility for two major breaches affecting Acer’s operations.
• OrangeTee & Tie (2021): A Singapore-based real estate firm that suffered a data breach affecting over 250,000 clients, employees, and agents.

Cybersecurity firm Group-IB, which assisted in the investigations, linked the suspect to over 90 hacking incidents worldwide, with 65 cases concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region.

Authorities Warn Against Rising Cybercrime Threats

Following the arrest, Assistant Commissioner Paul Tay, commander of the Singapore Police’s Cybercrime Command, expressed gratitude to the Royal Thai Police for their cooperation in the successful operation.

“We remain relentless in our pursuit of cybercriminals, and will hunt them down wherever they are and bring them to justice,” Tay stated.

Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening international cooperation to combat rising cybercrime threats. Singapore, in particular, has been tightening cybersecurity laws to prevent further breaches and protect businesses and individuals from digital threats.

This high-profile arrest highlights the growing collaboration between Singapore and Thailand in fighting cybercrime. With the rapid digitization of industries, governments must remain vigilant against hacking syndicates that exploit system vulnerabilities. This case serves as a warning to cybercriminals that law enforcement agencies are working together across borders to shut down illicit operations and hold hackers accountable.

Sources: Mothership (2025), The Straits Times (2025)

Keywords: Cybercriminal Arrest, Data Breach Singapore, Hacking Syndicate, Ransomware Attack, Singapore-Thai Operation