US Dismantles ‘Warzone RAT’ Malware Service; Suspects Arrested, Reports Reuters

By Nate Raymond

BOSTON – U.S. authorities announced on Friday the seizure of websites linked to the sale of malicious software known as "Warzone RAT," which can be utilized to steal sensitive information from victims’ computers.

Law enforcement has arrested two individuals in Malta and Nigeria in connection with these charges.

Federal prosecutors in Boston revealed that four websites were taken down, which collectively provided access to malware that enabled cybercriminals to covertly connect to individuals’ computers for illicit activities.

Warzone RAT, a form of remote access trojan, permits hackers to explore file systems, capture screenshots, gather usernames and passwords, log keystrokes, and observe users through their webcams, according to prosecutors.

Jodi Cohen, head of the FBI’s Boston office, described the malware as sophisticated and noted its use in infecting computers worldwide.

The two suspects are currently in custody and have been indicted in the United States for their alleged roles in this operation.

An indictment lodged in federal court in Atlanta charged Daniel Meli, a 27-year-old from Zabbar, Malta, with causing unauthorized harm to protected computers and committing other cyber-related offenses. Prosecutors allege that since 2012, he has been selling malware products like Warzone RAT on computer-hacking forums and offering instructional resources, including ebooks, for sale. The U.S. government is pursuing his extradition.

Prince Onyeoziri Odinakachi, a 31-year-old from Nigeria, faces charges in a separate indictment filed in Boston, alleging conspiracy to commit several computer intrusion offenses.

The indictment claims that from June 2019 to March 2023, Odinakachi provided online support to users of the Warzone RAT malware.

As of now, the defense attorneys for Meli and Odinakachi have not been identified.