The FBI Files: Citadel Malware Delivers Reveton Ransomware in Attempts to Extort Money

The IC3 has been made aware of a new Citadel malware platform used to deliver ransomware, named Reveton. The ransomware lures the victim to a drive-by download website, at which time the ransomware is installed on the user’s computer. Once installed, the computer freezes and a screen is displayed warning the user they have violated United States federal law. The message further declares the user’s IP address was identified by the Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section as visiting child pornography and other illegal content.

To unlock the computer, the user is instructed to pay a $100 fine to the U.S. Department of Justice using prepaid money card services. The geographic location of the user’s IP address determines what payment services are offered. In addition to the ransomware, the Citadel malware continues to operate on the compromised computer and can be used to commit online banking and credit card fraud.

This is an attempt to extort money with the additional possibility of the victim’s computer being used to participate in online bank fraud. If you have received this or something similar, do not follow payment instructions.

It is suggested that you:

• Contact your banking institutions.
• File a complaint at www.IC3.gov.

US Marshals: Operation "Golden Isles"

The week of May 14th, 2012 the United States Marshals Service, in collaboration with the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office, the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation COPS grant funded Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Georgia Department of Corrections, Brunswick Probation Office, and the S.E. Probation TAC team conducted a two day compliance check of all registered sex offenders in Glynn County. A total of 35 Local, State and Federal Law Enforcement Officers were involved.

Operation "Golden Isles" was a two pronged effort of compliance and enforcement. The focus of the compliance operation was a comprehensive physical verification of every offender, their residences, their employment and compliance with their registration requirements. The enforcement operation centered on the service of 17 newly issued warrants for registration and probation violations.

This joint operation resulted in the successful location and verification of 105 sex offenders. In total 32 arrests were made. Of these 15 arrests were made for new violations discovered during the course of the operation. Additional charges included a new charge for possession of child pornography and two charges for firearms violations. As a result of the team’s diligent efforts two firearms and an amount of narcotics were seized.

The combined efforts of these dedicated law enforcement professionals were instrumental in the successful execution of Operation “Golden Isles.” This initiative is the second of many operations planned for the future in an effort to protect and safeguard our community and most especially the safety of our children.
Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.

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America’s Oldest Federal Law Enforcement Agency