Case Law Database

Cybercrime

Computer-related acts for personal or financial gain

• Fraud

Operation: Global Action against Online Fraudsters in the Airline Sector

Fact Summary

In November 2014, a coordinated international operation led to the arrest of 118 individuals in connection with an online fraudulent scheme against airline companies. The operation was carried out at more than 80 airports and involved over 60 airlines and 45 countries. The investigation was coordinated by Europol, INTERPOL and Ameripol.

The suspects allegedly purchased plane tickets using stolen or fake credit cards generating losses of USD 1 billion. The investigation revealed that the fraudulent scheme was in several cases connected to other crimes, such as drug and human trafficking.

The airline and credit card companies involved participated actively in meetings with law enforcement at Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3). Such companies provided investigators with information contained in their databases. This partnership allowed law enforcement to identify 281 suspicious transactions.

An extensive international network allowed investigators to trace the suspects. The International Air Transport Association provided information on individuals using fraudulently obtained tickets. INTERPOL played a crucial role in identifying wanted persons and stolen documents. Europol officers were active at several European airports as well as in Singapore and Bogota. Eurojust provided assistance from the Hague.

Commentary and Significant Features

The main lesson learned from this operation is that partnerships between law enforcement and private sector are key for countering cybercrime threats. The cooperation between private companies, the International Air Transport Association, Europol, INTERPOL, Ameripol and national law enforcement authorities was very fruitful. This strategic collaboration allowed investigators to gather the necessary information to identify illicit transactions and the suspects.

According to Europol, this global alliance will continue to exist and all partners will work together to prevent and investigate online criminal activities.

Cross-Cutting Issues

Liability

... for

• completed offence

... based on

• criminal intention

... as involves

• principal offender(s)
• participant, facilitator, accessory

Offending

Involved Countries

Austria

Croatia

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands (Kingdom of the)

Poland

Romania

Slovakia

Spain

Sweden

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Iceland

Switzerland

Australia

China

Indonesia

Malaysia

New Zealand

Philippines

Qatar

Thailand

Thailand

Ukraine

United Arab Emirates

United States of America

Colombia

Bolivia (Plurinational State of)

Ecuador

Haiti

Dominican Republic

Paraguay

Costa Rica

Peru

Mexico

Panama

Investigation Procedure

Involved Agencies

• INTERPOL
• Europol
• Eurojust
• Ameripol

Computer specific investigative measures

• Remote forensic tools

International Cooperation

Measures

• International law enforcement cooperation (including INTERPOL)
• Joint Investigation