The police have arrested four people in connection with the hacking of Marks & Spencer, the Co-op and Harrods.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) disclosed that the arrests were made in London and the West Midlands.
Those arrested were a 20-year-old woman and three men aged between 17 and 19.
They were arrested on suspicion of Computer Misuse Act offences, blackmail, money laundering and involvement in the activities of an organised crime group. Electronic devices were taken by the police. The four people remain in custody for questioning
NCA national cyber crime unit head Paul Foster said: “Since these attacks took place, specialist NCA cyber crime investigators have been working at pace and the investigation remains one of the agency’s highest priorities.
“Today’s arrests are a significant step in that investigation, but our work continues, alongside partners in the UK and overseas, to ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
“Cyber attacks can be hugely disruptive for businesses and I’d like to thank M&S, Co-op and Harrods for their support in our investigations. Hopefully, this signals to future victims the importance of seeking support and engaging with law enforcement as part of the reporting process. The NCA and policing are here to help.”
An M&S spokesperson said: “We welcome this development and thank the NCA for its diligent work on this incident.”
A Co-op spokesperson said: “Hacking is not a victimless crime. Throughout this period, we have engaged fully with the NCA, and relevant authorities and are pleased on behalf of our members to see this had led to these arrests today.”
The attacks on retailers started in April and led to serious disruptions, including availability issues at the Co-op and the suspension of online trading at M&S.
The arrests come hot on the heels of an appearance by Co-op executives and M&S chair Archie Norman before MPs yesterday, when Norman described the attack as being like “an out of body experience”.
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