Recent arrests show increased sophistication of illegal data brokers in China

Police from Wuxi, Jiangsu Province have uncovered a sophisticated network of underground data brokers trading personal information to the tune of RMB 1 million a day.

According to local media, police have arrested 113 individuals that form part of the network. The group shows how criminals are building complex operating structures to avoid being caught.

The sources of personal data include hackers and others who use deception to encourage individuals to expose their personal details. Most worryingly, the sources are also corporate personnel who steal the data. These corporate players have access to vast amounts of data that would otherwise be unattainable, including that of consumption and insurance.

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