Poland arrested three Ukrainian nationals accused of using hacking devices to target IT systems and obtain sensitive defense-related data.
Polish police arrested three Ukrainian nationals for allegedly trying to damage IT systems and obtaining sensitive defense-related data using advanced hacking equipment.
The police arrested three Ukrainian men after finding Flipper hacking gear, spy-device detectors, SIM cards, drives, and antennas in their car.
Flipper Zero is a portable multi-tool for pentesters and geeks in a toy-like body. It allows hacking digital stuff, such as radio protocols, access control systems, hardware, and more, reads the official website. The tool is fully open-source and customizable, so you can extend it in whatever way you like.
The men were carrying a K19, a counter-surveillance tool that detects RF signals, GPS trackers, hidden cameras, and strong magnetic fields.
The suspects, aged 43, 42, and 39, face charges including fraud, computer fraud, and possessing tools meant to damage sensitive national-defense IT systems.
A court ordered three months of pretrial detention while the investigation continues.
Warsaw police stopped a Toyota on Senatorska Street and found three nervous Ukrainian men, who said they were traveling through Europe and had just arrived in Poland before heading to Lithuania.
“Officers thoroughly searched the vehicle’s interior. They found suspicious items that could even be used to interfere with the country’s strategic IT systems, breaking into IT and telecommunications networks.” reads the press release published by the Polish police. “During the investigation, officers seized a spy device detector, advanced FLIPPER hacking equipment, antennas, laptops, a large number of SIM cards, routers, portable hard drives, and cameras.”
Warsaw police decrypted seized devices from three Ukrainian men who couldn’t explain their equipment. Claiming to be IT experts, they dodged questions. However, the investigators suspect fraud and computer crimes.
“Police are considering various scenarios. They are investigating when and why the men came to Poland. The case is ongoing. Case materials have been forwarded to the Warsaw Śródmieście-Północ District Prosecutor’s Office.” concludes the press release. “The detainees face charges related to fraud, computer fraud, and obtaining devices and computer programs adapted for committing crimes, including attempting to damage computer data of particular importance to national defense.”
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