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US government charges British teenager accused of at least 120 ‘Scattered Spider’ hacks

The US government charges British teenager accused of at least 120 ‘Scattered Spider’ hacks, a case that highlights the growing risks posed by young cybercriminals targeting global institutions. Federal prosecutors allege that 19-year-old Thalha Jubair played a key role in dozens of high-profile cyberattacks, including one against the U.S. Courts system.

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Arrest in East London

Jubair was arrested on Tuesday at his home in East London, according to the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA). He appeared in a London courtroom on Thursday alongside 18-year-old Owen Flowers. Both are accused of helping orchestrate a 2024 cyberattack on Transport for London, which led to a massive data breach and a months-long recovery effort.

Link to Scattered Spider

Investigators say the London transit hack was attributed to Scattered Spider, a notorious hacking group known for targeting U.S. and UK companies. The group has built a reputation for using simple but effective social engineering tactics, such as impersonating IT staff to trick employees into giving up credentials.

Who Are the “Advanced Persistent Teenagers”?

Scattered Spider is often described as a collective of English-speaking, financially motivated hackers—many of them teenagers and young adults. The group has earned the nickname “advanced persistent teenagers” for their relentless campaigns and ability to infiltrate large organizations with relatively unsophisticated methods.

Next Steps in the Case

Both Jubair and Flowers remain in custody and are expected to appear in court at a later date, according to BBC News. If convicted, they could face significant sentences under both U.S. and UK cybercrime laws.

The case underscores how law enforcement is escalating efforts to pursue cybercriminals across borders. With over 120 alleged Scattered Spider hacks, this prosecution could become a landmark moment in the fight against international cybercrime.