Cyber fraudster jailed over creating scam websites for 2,000 criminals
A 23-year-old cyber fraudster who made scam websites for more than 2,000 criminals has been jailed after an international Met Police-led investigation. Zak Coyne, 23, of Woodbine Road, Huddersfield, ran the LabHost service creating bespoke phishing websites designed to trick victims into revealing personal data such as email addresses, passwords and bank details.
The service was set up by a criminal cyber organisation, and for a membership fee, users could log on and choose from existing sites or request bespoke pages replicating trusted brands, including banks, healthcare agencies and postal services. This was used by over 2,000 criminals on victims all over the world and resulted in over £100 million in losses for victims.
The platform was taken down in April 2024 by the Met's Cyber Crime Unit who were working on the investigation with partners across the country, including the National Crime Agency and Microsoft. In the same month, the Met arrested 24 suspects, targeting the most prolific offenders within the LabHost service, while over 70 addresses were searched.
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Coyne admitted his crimes at Manchester Crown Court on Wednesday, September 18. These included making or supplying articles for use in frauds, encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence believing it would be committed, and transferring criminal property.
He was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison at Manchester Crown Court on Monday, 14 April. Officers safeguarded victims by establishing a helpline, directing people to protected advice on the Met website, and securing compromised accounts.
Specially trained officers offered personalised advice, including how to further protect victims' data, and ensuring every case was reported to both Action Fraud and UK Finance.
Thomas Short, Specialist Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'Zak Coyne operated a phishing service that provided fraudsters with the tools to impersonate trusted institutions and steal sensitive information from unsuspecting victims.
'This was a sophisticated worldwide criminal enterprise which enabled others to perpetrate fraud on a massive scale, resulting in losses totalling more than £100 million. Fraud is far from a victimless crime and the harm caused by Coyne's offending are measured not just in monetary terms, but also in the distress inflicted on countless victims who fell prey to these scams.
'This was a complex case, but the prosecution team, together with law enforcement partners, was able to unravel an intricate web of digital evidence which linked Coyne to the offending and build a strong case against him, resulting in his guilty pleas.'
The Met has issued ten golden rules to help people protect themselves from fraud:
Be suspicious of all 'too good to be true' offers and deals. There are no guaranteed get-rich-quick schemes.
Don't agree to offers or deals immediately. Insist on time to get independent or legal advice before making a decision.
Don't hand over money or sign anything until you've checked someone's credentials and their company's.
Never send money to anyone you don't know or trust, whether in the UK or abroad, or use methods of payment you're not comfortable with.
Never give banking or personal details to anyone you don't know or trust. This information is valuable so make sure you protect it.
Always log on to a website directly rather than clicking on links in an email.
Don't just rely on glowing testimonials. Find solid, independent evidence of a company's success.
Always get independent or legal advice if an offer involves money, time or commitment.
If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it and get help.
Don't be embarrassed about reporting a scam. Because the scammers are cunning and clever there's no shame in being deceived. By reporting it, you'll make it more difficult for them to deceive others.
If you think you have been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
Remember that if you're a victim of a scam or an attempted scam, however minor, there may be hundreds or thousands of others in a similar position. Your information may form part of one big jigsaw and be vital to completing the picture.
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