Security News > 2024 > April > Firebird RAT creator and seller arrested in the U.S. and Australia
A joint police operation between the Australian Federal Police and the FBI has led to the arrest and charging of two individuals who are believed to be behind the development and distribution of the "Firebird" remote access trojan, later rebranded as "Hive.".
The Australian Federal Police alleges that the Australian developed and sold the RAT on a dedicated hacking forum, enabling other users who paid for the tool to remotely access victims' computers and perform unauthorized activity.
The Australian man faces twelve charges, including for the production, control, and supply of data intended to commit computer offenses.
The U.S. Department of Justice provided more details about Chakhmakhchyan's role in the malware operation, explaining that the man is suspected of marketing the Hive RAT online, facilitating Bitcoin transactions, and providing support to purchasers.
The indictment alleges that Chakhmakhchyan promoted Hive's stealthy access to target computers to an undercover FBI agent, to whom he sold a license.
Hacker arrested for selling bank accounts of US, Canadian users.