Hacker responsible for international data breaches arrested in joint Singapore-Thailand operation

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According to SPF, Thai officials from the Criminal Investigation Department’s ( CID ) cybercrime command collaborated closely with Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau ( CIB ) to share investigation findings relating to the suspected threat actor, who is also alleged to be responsible for a wave of data breach cases in Thailand.

The identity of the man was established based on the prospects uncovered, it added.

Following the man’s arrest, assets valued at over 10 million baht ( US$ 295, 000 ) were seized, including laptops, mobile phones, luxury vehicles and branded bags.

International teamwork is essential in the cyberspace because scammers do not value territories, according to SPF’s head of hacking control associate commissioner of police Paul Tay.

The Royal Thai Police are commended for their great assistance in eradicating this legal system and making our cyber safer, and The SPF is committed to working carefully with our local partners.

Investigations are ongoing, SPF said.

THE Attacker

A securities trading company in Thailand was the first to fall victim to a data breach under the name ALTDOS in late 2020, according to a joint advisory from the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore ( CSA ), Personal Data Protection Commission ( PDPC ), and SPF.

ALTDOS targets organizations for monetary gain, along with those from Singapore and Bangladesh as victims.

In August 2021, real estate agency OrangeTee &amp, Tie received an email from ALTDOS, demanding a payment of 10 Bitcoin for the health and non-disclosure of the data. Additionally, the ransom demand contained picture of five directories that were purportedly taken.

After discovering a number of errors that led to the compromise of more than 250, 000 customers ‘ and employees ‘ personal data, the organization was then fined S$ 37,000 by PDPC.

Authorities noted in another shared advice that GHOSTR was founded in August 2023 and concentrated on organizations in Southeast Asia. It allegedly extorted, demanded a payment, and sold its victims ‘ sensitive information.

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Commentary: Scam centres, human trafficking – Southeast Asian governments can do more for such victims

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Adding to the problem, patients who were saved experience stress, grief, social stigma, and possible legal repercussions in their home states for crimes they were coerced into committing. Also, social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are frequently flooded with fake outside job advertisements that bypass the site’s current moderation.

WHAT MORE CAN BE Completed?

The issues cited above highlight important policy gaps, which could be filled by both helping existing victims and preventing potential victims. East Asian governments may take more proactive steps to discover and assist scam victims.

As many of these victims are legally entering these situations through traditional immigration channels and travel arrangements under false job offers, embassies in nations that are known to host scam operations may implement an opt-in system for people staying abroad for extended periods of time to remotely” check in” with their governments ‘ offices on a regular basis to ensure their safety. &nbsp,

This can be integrated into existing modern recognition systems used by East Asian nations, such as Singapore’s SingPass or Malaysia’s MyDigital ID. Doing so can help determine smuggling cases by flagging people who have not checked in for an extended period, prompting follow-up studies. &nbsp,

Using local structures like ASEAN’s Multi-Sectoral Work Plan Against Trafficking in Persons 2023-2028, embassy engagement with anti-trafficking Organizations can be used to stifle cooperation with local officials and accept patients who have been identified.

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Commentary: Why Trump really wants Ukraine’s minerals – China has put theirs off limits

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Republican NEEDS PEACE IN UKRAINE

Trump wanted to shift global supply chains and establish the US as a major manufacturing hub by focusing on various parts. Trump thinks that by putting an end to the conflict in Ukraine, the US you use European funds and resources to combat China’s growing effect.

Trump has attempted to justify the taxes on China by claiming that Chinese companies are to blame for the massive fentanyl creation, which is then routed into the US via different programs. Trump has suggested more stringent regulations, including tariffs and sanctions against Chinese companies allegedly engaged in its creation, to halt the flow of fentanyl.

Following China’s retribution, Trump needs harmony in Ukraine and the significant mineral deal with Kyiv before China’s restrictions on imports to the US affects essential US manufacturing. With less repercussions, he could therefore engage in even more violent behavior toward China with such a deal.

But, Zelenskyy recently claimed that Russia has taken control of 20 per cent of Ukraine’s materials since the war. Because there hasn’t been much investment in Ukraine’s nutrients sector for nearly a decade, it’s conceivable it won’t be years before any American investors can make any money back.

So even if Trump’s offer goes back, he will have to wait a while before Ukraine’s materials will accomplish the US ‘ needs.

Dafydd Townley is Teaching Fellow in International Security, University of Portsmouth. &nbsp, This commentary&nbsp, second appeared&nbsp, in The Conversation.

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Malaysia sentences foreign man to 7 years’ jail for possessing 6 guns, ammunition

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A foreign national pleaded guilty to the charges of possessing six firearms and 200 rounds of ammunition in Malaysia last year, and he was given a seven-year jail term on Wednesday ( Feb 26 ).

Local news outlet Berita Harian reported that Judge Zaki Salleh of the Kuala Lumpur Session Court pronounced the sentence after accepting Shalom Avitan, 39, for a primary charge and an alternative charge under Section 8 ( a ) of the Arms Act of 1960. &nbsp,

An alternative demand refers to an extra charge brought against a defendant in the event that the main cost is not proven. &nbsp,

Zaki claimed that the judge was satisfied with the Jewish national’s criminal verdict.

” Mr Avitan, the word for each charge is seven years imprisonment, starting from your imprisonment on Mar 28 last time”, Zaki was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.

” The prison will run sequentially”.

Avitan was discovered without a license or permit in possession of a package of Shell Shock NAS3 9mm weapons with eight guns, three boxes of Bullet Master Co Ltd weapons with 150 shells, and 42 guns in three different weapon.

Under the other demand, he was found in possession of six unregulated guns- a Glock 19 USA 9×19, Sig Sauer P3205P, Cougar 8000FT, Glock 17 Gen4 Austria 9×19, M&amp, P 9C Smith &amp, Wesson Springfield MA USA, and Stoeger Cougar 8000F. &nbsp,

Between 6 p.m. on March 26 and 6 p.m. on March 28, an unregistered weapon and weapons were discovered in a hotel room on Jalan Ampang in Kuala Lumpur.

Avitan was then taken into custody on March 28 and reported to Malaysian authorities that he was on the run for a brother Israeli. He was reportedly a member of a gang and wanted to kill the mind of a rival legal family, according to Israeli media reports. &nbsp,

Avitan had previously requested a test at the same Lessons Court and entered a not-guilty plea on April 12 of that year.

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Japan doubles funds for cultural exchange with ASEAN in push to deepen ties

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DIRECTLY NAVIGATING GEOPOLITICAL WATER

As big energy competitions play out in the&nbsp, Indo Pacific, fostering better local relationships is particularly important, Kiya noted. &nbsp,

” ASEAN has managed numerous significant energy conflicts for years. And Japan has often supported ASEAN in maintaining harmony and promoting prosperity”, he added. &nbsp,

The ambassador cited Japan’s support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific ( AOIP), which emphasizes importance as the guiding principle for promoting participation in the region. &nbsp,

Japan claims that the idea is in line with its own important rules for favoring peace and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. &nbsp,

” The AOIP ( takes ) the Indo-Pacific region from a place of rivalry to a place of dialogue and cooperation. Japan is fully supporting that effort, and I believe Japan can become instrumental in making that happen”, Kiya said. &nbsp,

He added that Japan maintains friendly diplomatic relations with important regional people, including US and ASEAN people. &nbsp,

Regarding China, Kiya claimed that Tokyo and Beijing have a “mutually beneficial relationship based on a shared strategic desire to work to promote constructive and stable (ties )”. &nbsp,

A rules-based global order is advantageous for all players in the Indo-Pacific area, including ASEAN and Japan, according to the minister. &nbsp,

The key is for all nations to uphold international law, and ( to ) persuade any countries to stop any activities that violate international law. Therefore, in that way, economic hobbies can benefit the entire place”, he said. &nbsp,

ECONOMIC Participation

As a trade-dependent country, some of Japan’s companies are greatly invested in and depend on China and the US. &nbsp,

US President Donald Trump, who took office a fortnight ago, has imposed a number of higher import taxes on the world’s largest economy, which had hurt Japan’s exports and hurt its now sluggish market. &nbsp,

Kiya claimed that Japan is monitoring developments and may take appropriate action, which would increase trade conflicts. &nbsp,

He added Japan is working on stronger cooperation with local markets, particularly in the areas of modernization, decarbonisation, and power protection. &nbsp,

The minister cited ASEAN’s Blue Economy Innovation initiative, launched last year in collaboration with Japan and the United Nations Development Programme, as one for key engagement. &nbsp,

The program aims to generate solutions in weather change issues, coastal plastics pollution, green fisheries, and eco-friendly tourism. &nbsp,

Last year, 60 victors of the site’s concern on innovative solutions to improve the violet business pitched their ideas to investors, including Japanese companies. They were selected from 1, 300 uses from across ASEAN and Timor-Leste.

” I’m very much hoping that those innovations will be fully supported by a large number of Japanese ( firms ) and the private sector so that their ideas addressing those issues will be expanded for the benefit of ASEAN, Japan, the region, and the world,” said Kiya. &nbsp,

He also cited the forthcoming World Expo 2025 as another chance for cooperation and contact between Japan and users of the bloc. &nbsp,

The occasion brings together partners to explore solutions to pressing global issues, taking place in Osaka, Japan’s second-largest urban area, from April to October. &nbsp,

ASEAN will have its own pavilion set up around the concept of” building bridges,” which will showcase the local grouping’s success stories and shared initiatives. &nbsp,

Some member states including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Singapore have even set up their individual towers at the exhibition.

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China’s two sessions to last about a week, police notice hints as security stepped up

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In response to the increase in safety measures in the capital Beijing, the two meetings scheduled to begin on March 4 are expected to last roughly a month.

According to the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, all “low, delayed, and little” aircraft, including wings and drones, will be prohibited in the area from Mar 1 through Mar 12, to maintain airport security during the two classes.

” Low, slower and little” aircraft are defined as those that fly lower than 1, 000m, slower than 200kmh and have a sensor mirror region of less than 2 sq m, the Feb 21 notice stated.

The ban applies to companies and people, covering all sports, outdoor and promotion activities. The authorities warned that failure to comply will result in a great and perhaps criminal charges.

A second statement from February 25 even advised people against purchasing or operating hydrogen-filled balloons and sky lanterns due to the possibility of fire or explosions.

The final schedules for the two sessions haven’t been made public by Chinese authorities. The sessions last year lasted seven whole weeks, beginning on March 4 and ending on March 11.

Known as lianghui in Chinese, the parallel gatherings of China’s government, the National People’s Congress, and the best social advisory body, the Taiwanese People’s Political Consultative Conference, form the country’s most important social function of the year.

Legislation and the federal funds may be passed at the cramped Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where thousands of members from all over China may gather.

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At least 19 dead after bus plunges off mountain road in central Thailand; PM Paetongtarn orders probe

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Bangkok’s prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered an investigation into a fatal bus accident that occurred on Wednesday ( Feb. 26 ) in the central province of Prachin Buri and claimed the lives of at least 19 people, according to local news agency Khaosod.

According to the Prachin Buri Road Safety Centre, the incident occurred at around 3.20 a.m. local time in the Nadi city of Prachin Buri.

Prachin Buri is located around a three-hour pull from Bangkok. &nbsp,

Legal action will be taken if it is discovered that a vehicle is being used in a manner that does not adhere to the rules or is involved in foolish driving, according to Paetongtarn on X. &nbsp,

Local media reported that the vehicle was carrying 47 passengers and two drivers from Bueng Kan state, located beside the Mekong River in Thailand’s east, on a” group study trip” to Rayong province in the eastern coast of Thailand. &nbsp,

One of three double-decker cars, according to reports, transported local government officials. &nbsp,

The vehicle driver lost control before going off the road, down a hill, and overturned on a steep part of the Khao San Pu Ton rock, according to local media reports.

The party had left Bueng Kan state the day before at around 5 p.m. &nbsp,

The Prachin Buri Provincial Public Relations Office stated in a previous declaration that one death occurred at the scene of the accident, and the other died in a hospital. &nbsp,

Local media store The Nation reported that local police officers and rescuers transported the injured victims, including those who were hurt, to local hospitals for health care. &nbsp,

According to Bangkok Post, 19 persons were admitted to Nadi Hospital and 13 to Kabin Buri Hospital. &nbsp,

The Prachin Buri Provincial Public Relations Office announced on Wednesday that the damaged route is also being cleared to help visitors while the cause of the accident is being looked into.

Additionally, Nadi District Chief Somjai Putthasena has confirmed that the vehicle involved in the accident was a member of the Bueng Kan provincial Phon Charoen Municipality’s review tour group.

According to Bangkok Post, the 200 people were taking a five-day research journey to Bueng Kan’s Phon Charoen Municipality to promote the development of the Community Waste Bank. &nbsp,

Khaosod added that the Khao San Pu Ton mountain’s downhill gradient is a regular crash site.

According to Khaosod, the pilot lost control of the vehicle after the brake failed. &nbsp,

About four weeks after a fatal crash involving a vehicle in a residential Bangkok, the most recent incident occurred.

In October next month, 23 people, mostly children, were killed after a school bus had caught fire. &nbsp,

Six instructors and 39 students from elementary and junior high schools were traveling on the vehicle from Uthai Thani state, which is 300 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, for a class trip to Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi provinces.

Some people were unable to escape the fire, which started while the vehicle was traveling northeast of the capital. &nbsp,

The van driver has been detained and charged with reckless travelling in Thailand that resulted in fatalities and injuries.

According to AFP, Thailand ranked ninth out of 175 World Health Organization member states for highway traffic fatalities, as noted in its 2023 statement.

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