Over 90 people have been arrested for their alleged involvement in creation, distribution and use of blackshades malware. The operation took place over two days in 16 different countries. It was lead by the Belgian and Dutch judicial law enforcement authorities and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation. The entire operation was Eurojust, which is a European Union Agency that deals with these matters and is supported by Europol’s cybercrime centre.

During the two day operation 359 houses were searched. More than 1,100 data storage devised were seized by law enforcement agencies. Which include laptops, phones, routers, usb drives and hard drives. Which are all thought to be related to illegal activities.

The head of the cybercrime centre at Europol, made this statement. “This case is yet another example of the critical need for coordinated law enforcement operations against the growing number of cybercriminals operating on an EU and global level.” “EC3 will continue – together with Eurojust and other partners – to work tirelessly to support our partners in the fight against fraudsters and other cybercriminals who take advantage of the Internet to commit crime.”

The blackshades malware was used to illegally access somebodies computer, without them realising. It allows hackers to remotely control the computer and do things such as turn on and record video through the webcam.

An assistant at Eurojust made a statement. “This case is a strong reminder that no one is safe while using the Internet, and should serve as a warning and deterrent to those involved in the manufacture and use of this software.”