Detectives from the Cybercrime Squad have charged a man with 15 offences following an investigation into the unauthorised access to a company's database.
In June 2019, detectives from the State Crime Command's Cybercrime Squad established Strike Force Vide to investigate unauthorised access to the main database and document store of an Australian-based company.
With the assistance of company staff, investigations identified that unauthorised access was gained into the company's database and more than 170,000 data records including personal information and valuation documents were uploaded to the dark web and the internet.
Further investigation revealed the unauthorised access to the database allegedly occurred between September 2017 and May 2019.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives arrested a 49-year-old man in Sydney's CBD about 8am today (Wednesday 2 October 2019).
Shortly after the arrest, detectives – assisted by the Public Order and Riot Squad – executed a search warrant at a home at Rozelle, and a crime scene warrant at a business data centre at Ultimo.
During the searches, investigators seized servers, computers, laptops, and electronic storage devices.
The man, who is a software contractor, was taken to Surry Hills Police Station and charged with unauthorised modification of data with intent to cause impairment (x5), deal with identity info to commit indictable offence (x7), impair electronic communications to/from computer (x2), and possess prohibited drug.
He has been refused bail to appear at Central Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 3 October 2019).
Cybercrime Squad Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Gordon Arbinja, said the Cybercrime Squad's Specialist Investigation Team has conducted a thorough and complex investigation.
"Cybercrime presents a unique challenge for law enforcement, and the only way we will be able to tackle the issues is collaboration with our industry partners and government," Det A/Supt Arbinja said.
"This investigation is an excellent example of the company working closely with police on a matter, which may have otherwise gone unreported or unsolved."
Investigations under Strike Force Vide are continuing.
Anyone with information in relation to technology-enabled crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
