Police tries to close hacker gang

The Brazilian Federal Police launched a huge operation in four states and the Federal District trying to capture criminals accused of participating in crimes using the Internet. According to the police, the hackers used the Web to lure bank customers into providing their financial information and passwords, through phishing schemes.

The Replicant Operation, as it was called, involved 300 agents in the states of Rio Grande do Norte, Tocantins, Rio de Janeiro and Goias, as well as the Federal District, in places where the gang is believed to be based. A total of 120 search and arrest warrants were issued for the operation. The gang used emails and false sites resembling those of official Brazilian financial institutions to cheat the victims. Three police agents are believed to be part of the gang.