Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site
We use some essential cookies to make our website work. We’d like to set additional cookies so we can remember your preferences and understand how you use our site.
You can manage your preferences and cookie settings at any time by clicking on “Customise Cookies” below. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our Cookies notice.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Sorry, there was a technical problem. Please try again.
This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.
Detectives are urging parents to make sure they know more about their childrens online activity, after two teenagers were found to have carried out a hacking spree.
A 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found guilty of two counts of fraud, two Computer Misuse Act offences and one count of blackmail. He was sentenced to a youth rehabilitation order at Guildford Crown Court on Thursday 21st December 2023. As part of the order, he will have an 18-month supervision requirement, a six-month rehabilitation requirement and a three month intensive supervision and surveillance requirement.
Arion Kurtaj, 18, of Oxfordshire, was given a restricted hospital order for an unlimited period under sections 37 and 41 of the Mental Health Act 1983 and section 5 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1964. He was handed the order at the same court after a jury found that he had acted to commit numerous computer misuse, fraud and blackmail offences.
An extensive investigation, in collaboration with worldwide law enforcement and private industry partners, revealed that the hacking occurred between August 2020 and September 2022, affecting a number of companies, including telecoms, a computer parts manufacturer and gaming companies.
Detective Chief Superintendent Amanda Horsburgh, from the City of London Police, said:
"This case serves as an example of the dangers that young people can be drawn towards whilst online and the serious consequences it can have for someone's broader future.
"Many young people wish to explore how technology works and what vulnerabilities exist. This can include learning to code, interacting with like-minded individuals online and experimenting with tools. Unfortunately, the digital world can also be tempting to young people for the wrong reasons.
"We would like to thank all the many partners involved in this lengthy and complex investigation for their support and co-operation. We also thank the jury for their patience throughout the long trial."
From the comfort of their bedrooms, both teenagers carried out a series of cyber incursions and Kurtaj continued undeterred, even after having his devices seized, being arrested and granted court bail.
Cyber Choices from the National Crime Agency is aimed at young people, parents and teachers and was created to help young people make informed choices and to us their cyber skills in a legal way.
If you are concerned about a child or young person:
If you have concerns about your own online security, follow the Cyber Aware advice from the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) Cyber Aware. This advice can help you learn the basic skills you need to defend yourself against the most prolific types of cyber attacks.
To report a cyber crime, please visit https://www.actionfraud.police.uk.
Notes to editors
Kurtaj was charged with six Computer Misuse Act offences, three charges of blackmail, two charges of fraud and one charge of failing to comply with a section 49 notice by the City of London Police in April and September 2022. Following an assessment, he was deemed not fit to stand trial and the jury was directed to decide whether he had carried out the hacks. Following weeks of evidence, the jury said that Kurtaj had committed the hacks. Kurtaj did not appear in court to give evidence
As he was deemed not fit to stand trial, City of London Police will not be releasing a custody image of Kurtaj.