‘Jackpot’ ATM Hacker Busted: Bulgarian Cyber Crook Nabbed in Thai Police Raid
NONTHABURI — A 50-year-old Bulgarian man, identified as Ivan Valsev, was arrested on May 26 in a dramatic police raid at a luxury residence in Pak Kret’s Bang Plap area, accused of leading a high-tech ATM hacking ring across Thailand.
Posing as an ATM repair technician, Valsev allegedly deployed a “jackpot” virus to compromise cash machines, causing 13 ATMs to malfunction and spill out cash, while also harvesting sensitive banking data.
The Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) seized an array of digital equipment, including computers, cables, and specialized hacking tools during the raid. The operation has placed the Thai banking sector on high alert as authorities investigate the full extent of the financial damage.
Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwpaen, TCSD Commissioner, said the bust marks a significant victory against transnational cybercrime operations exploiting weaknesses in local banking infrastructure.
Authorities are continuing efforts to locate any accomplices and recover stolen funds.
