Computer crime cops today arrested a hacker accused of stealing and trying to sell the personal information of nearly everyone in Thailand, a suspect who turned out to be none other than an army soldier in northwest metro Bangkok.
Police obtained a warrant to arrest a Sgt. Maj. Khemarat – last name withheld as is often the case when perps are from the armed forces – for allegedly stealing the information of more than 55 million people including ID numbers, names, birth dates, home addresses, and telephone numbers.
Operating under the name “9 Near,” the hacker initially announced he would sell the data and then later threatened to release it all online by this past Wednesday.
Although some had doubted he really had data on what amounts to nearly 80% of the nation’s population, officers confirmed Khemarat had it in his possession and had the means to obtain it. The personal information corresponded with what the National Cyber Security Commision said was posted online for sale.
The authorities also said they believed Khemarat was linked to an unspecified politician.
The hacker’s attempt to link his work to the opposition Move Forward Party has raised some eyebrows over its legitimacy.
A website the hacker created that was quickly blocked last week featured the logo of the progressive opposition Move Forward Party, and the release of the data was linked to next month’s general election. “Almost election, decide wisely,” it said. “We are not kidding.”
His nom du hack, 9Near, sounds like Kao Klai (Move Forward).
Khemarat was charged under the Computer Crime Act for “importing false computer data into a computer system” with national security enhancements.
In addition, the officers also detained the sergeant-major’s wife, who is a nurse at a hospital in the Chaengwattana area. She could face charges depending on the investigation.
They are questioning the pair to determine whether the data theft was a deliberate prank.
Investigators were due to discuss the arrest Friday afternoon.
