Police also took control of five central servers and KillSec’s dark-web leak site, securing at least 110 terabytes of stolen data against further unauthorised access, according to Europol.
The international investigation, dubbed Operation KillSwitch, is examining around 1,000 suspected cyberattacks worldwide linked to the group. Authorities have so far identified around 500 of them as successful, although Europol said that figure could change as investigators examine seized evidence.
Teenager identified as suspected main operator
Investigators identified a 16-year-old as KillSec’s suspected administrator and main operator.
Spanish police said the teenager, a Romanian national, was arrested in Alicante. Reuters reported that the operation is part of a Europe-wide investigation into KillSec’s activities.
Another suspected developer turned 18 in August and was still a minor when some of the alleged offences took place.
Investigators have also identified people suspected of acting as a negotiator and an affiliate, while inquiries into other possible members are continuing.
