Police have today issued a statement saying a 20-year-old woman and two males, aged 19, and one aged 17, were arrested in London and the West Midlands this morning
Four people have been arrested by police investigating the M&S, Co-op and Harrods cyber attacks.
The arrests include three teenagers – a 17-year-old British man from the West Midlands, a 19-year-old Latvian man from the West Midlands, a 19-year-old British man from London – and a 20-year-old British woman from Staffordshire.
The individuals were detained on suspicion of blackmail, money laundering, offences linked to the Computer Misuse Act and participating in the activities of an organised crime group. All four people remain in custody.
Paul Foster, head of the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit, said: “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.”
M&S was forced to shut down its online store following the cyber attack, which happened during Easter weekend and affected contactless payments in stores, as well as click and collect orders.
It was later confirmed that customer data, including names, email addresses, addresses and dates of birth – but it does not include card or payment details, was stolen.
The boss of M&S last week issued an update, and said the rest of its online operations will reopen by next month. The supermarket started resuming online orders in June but some services are still not back to normal.
For example, you still cannot place an order for click and collect or next day delivery. M&S is also still is not delivering to Northern Ireland. Stuart Machin, CEO of M&S, expects these services to be fully restored from August.
Speaking to shareholders at the retailer’s annual general meeting, he said: “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 to 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.”
