The Helix hacking group claims responsibility for a cyberattack and data breach at Uber Freight, allegedly stealing mailboxes, cloud drives, and financial documents.
The FBI warns that cybercriminals are hacking social media accounts of adults and children using social engineering to steal explicit images, leading to extortion, harassment, and sometimes self-harm.
Google security researchers report that unknown hacking groups are targeting large US financial and investment firms using voice phishing to steal sensitive data and extort victims for millions in bitcoin.
Telegram was briefly removed from the App Store after extortionists planted hidden illegal content in public chats to trigger a takedown, highlighting systemic platform risks.
Young men and boys in Australia are increasingly targeted by sextortion scams, with 2,206 complaints from July to December 2025. Advances in AI facilitate the creation of deep-fake sexualised images, making the problem worse. Authorities urge victims not to pay and to report incidents immediately.
The US has implemented a new global visa restriction policy targeting individuals involved in cybercrime, including online investment scams and sextortion. The policy, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also applies to immediate family members and aims to combat international cybercrime networks, particularly those defrauding US citizens.
A fire in Lima's La Victoria district killed 10 people, including 5 children, and injured two others. Police are investigating, with preliminary reports suggesting flammable materials and electric vehicles contributed to rapid spread. Extortion is a suspected cause.
The 2026 World Cup in the US and Canada brought vibrant fan experiences, despite high ticket prices and political criticisms, fostering global unity and showcasing host cities' capabilities.
A Proofpoint report indicates that over one-third of companies paying hacker ransoms are subsequently hit with a second extortion demand. The findings underscore the evolving nature of ransomware attacks, which now often involve multiple leverage forms like threatening to release stolen data, as seen in incidents involving Klue and Change Healthcare.
Four Nigerian police officers are accused of extorting 53,000 naira from Musa Aliyu, head of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, at an illegal checkpoint in Abuja, leading to their arrest and disciplinary proceedings.
Candice Odgers argues against banning social media for teens, citing limited evidence linking it to mental health issues, while Jonathan Haidt supports restrictions, highlighting perceived harms.
German authorities issued an arrest warrant for a 29-year-old man accused of holding a supermarket employee hostage for over 11 hours in Berlin. The man, who allegedly threatened the woman with a knife, was charged with kidnapping and attempted extortion. Special forces rescued the unharmed employee, and the suspect sustained minor injuries.
German authorities arrested a 29-year-old man accused of holding a supermarket employee hostage for over 11 hours in Berlin. He faces charges including kidnapping for ransom and attempted extortion. The woman was rescued unharmed by special forces.
The US Department of Justice plans to seek extradition of Lawrence Bishnoi and Gurinderjit Singh Nagra. Bishnoi is accused in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and other US crimes, while Nagra is linked to a $400,000 extortion case, allegedly working with Bishnoi and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gangs.
Haryana Police killed four suspected members of the Deepak Nandal gang in a fierce gun battle in Gurgaon, rescuing a kidnapped businessman. Nandal, a former music producer, is now a wanted gangster operating from abroad, orchestrating extortion and contract killings.
Four alleged shooters linked to gangster Deepak Nandal were killed and one injured in a fierce gun battle with Gurgaon Police in Sushant Lok Phase-2. Three policemen were also injured. The group was targeting a businessman's residence for extortion.
The Telangana High Court granted regular bail to Bandi Bhagirath, son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar, in a POCSO case. He was arrested in May for alleged sexual harassment of a minor and ordered to furnish a Rs 1 lakh bond.
The FBI has charged a Punjab police officer, Gurinderjit Singh Nagra, in a $400,000 extortion case as part of 'Operation Hard Ball,' targeting international organized crime. Punjab Police transferred Nagra and launched an inquiry, while opposition leaders accused the state government of a nexus with gangsters and the ruling party.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the US of seriously violating the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, citing disruption of vessel passage, threats of military strikes, reimposed oil sanctions, and Israeli aggression. He stated the "era of bullying and extortion is over."
The FBI is investigating several ransom notes received after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, discounting some as extortion attempts while evaluating others for legitimacy. Authorities believe Guthrie was kidnapped on Feb. 1, with evidence including blood found near her home and surveillance footage of a masked man.
The FBI is evaluating several ransom notes received following the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie. While some notes have been dismissed as extortion attempts, others are still under review as the investigation continues into her suspected kidnapping on Feb. 1. Blood was found near her home, and surveillance footage shows a masked man.
Victoria's massive 'Big Build' infrastructure projects are reportedly rife with organised crime, intimidation, extortion, fraud, and bribery. The Victorian premier attributes cost escalations to inflation, not corruption, while critics demand a royal commission due to the limited powers of the state's anti-corruption body, Ibac, and the systemic nature of the alleged misconduct.
Calgary police have charged 16 men, all non-Canadian citizens on visas, with 56 criminal charges related to an extortion racket targeting the South Asian community. Mugshots of 15 accused have been released to seek public information, as 49 incidents, including 19 shootings, have occurred since April 2025. Most accused are out on bail, raising police concern.
Businessman Vaishak Upadhyaya, previously arrested in an extortion case, was found dead by suicide in a flat rented by actress Krishi Thapanda in Bengaluru. He had been distressed over ongoing disputes and marital problems, sending messages to Thapanda before his death.
