Indian police in Noida have arrested two Nigerians, Modebe Joseph and Sunday Okonkwo, who are suspected members of an international cybercrime syndicate known for targeting financial institutions with insufficient cybersecurity measures. The arrests were made by the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police’s cybercrime unit following a collaborative operation that involved multiple security agencies. The duo was apprehended for their connection to the cybercriminal group referred to as 'Solar Spider', which is notorious for exploiting cyber vulnerabilities in banks.

The arrest highlights the global nature of cybercrime and the increasing cooperation among international law enforcement to tackle such threats. According to reports, the suspects executed a cyber heist that resulted in the theft of approximately ₹7 crore (around N1 billion) from the bank, an operation that was planned to occur over the weekend to avoid detection. The police have stated that this incident reflects a broader trend of financial cyber fraud that has been notably rampant in regions with less robust cybersecurity practices.

Moreover, Deputy Commissioner of Police Shavya Goyal indicated that this operation is part of a more extensive investigation into a wide international cyber network that is linked to organized criminal activities in both Nigeria and South Africa. This arrest not only emphasizes the risks posed by such syndicates but also underscores the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures within the financial sector to prevent future attacks.