The Bangladesh bank has recovered $15.25 million of the $81 million stolen in February by cyber criminals who made an unprecedented cyber strike against the financial institution. Apparently, the hackers used the bank´s SWIFT login data to conduct the money out through the network. However, officials believe that at least $30 million currently frozen in accounts could be retrieved imminently.
Bangladesh Bank Details Were Used To Steal $950 Millions
According to ITPro, the cyber criminals used the Bangladesh Bank details to send currency transfer request using SWIFT messages, wanting to steal $950 millions. However, most of the fraud was blocked and the hackers only could transfer the $81 million to four casino accounts in Philippines that still missing.
Regarding this situation, the Bangladesh Bank deputy governor, Abu Hena Mohammad Razee Hassan, told the media that officials are hoping to get a favorable verdict from the Philippines Supreme Court in order to recover the frozen $30 million. Apparently, it was already proved that the money belongs to the Bangladesh Bank.
Sua Ha Gao And Ding Size Are The Main Suspects
The $15.25 million were retrieved three days ago since casino boss and owner of the Eastern Hawaii Leisure Company, Kim Wong, gave the stolen money to the government, handing $4.63 million and the rest in the Philippines local currency. Apparently, he denied any kind of involvement in the crime and explained that he obtained the money from a couple of "Chinese high rollers" named Sua Ha Gao and Ding Zhize.
Although it hasn't be detained by the authorities, the Bangladesh police stated that it had identified more than 20 suspects, which are 12 Philippine nationals and eight Sri Lankans, who are believed to have a role in the crime. Apparently, a "high-powered" delegation from the Bangladesh bank is going to travel to Manila by the end of the month, in order speed up the process of retrieving by meeting with the President Rodrigo Duterte.
