A teenager from Merseyside has been arrested in connection to DDoS attacks on PSN and Xbox Live. Sky News reports that a joint operation between the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU)and the FBI led to the arrest on suspicion of unauthorised access to computer material and making threats to kill.
Electronic devices have been seized from the home of the individual.
It has not been explicitly stated whether or not the arrest is linked to the Christmas attacks that crippled both networks. The National Cyber Crime Unit (NCCU) did confirm, however, that alleged ‘swatting’ offences were investigated as part of the process.
"We will continue to work closely with the FBI to identify those who commit offences and hold them to account,” the head of the Cyber Crime Unit at SEROCU Craig Jones said. "We are still at the early stages of the investigation and there is still much work to be done.
"Offences referred to as 'swatting' involve law enforcement forces in the United States receiving hoax calls via Skype for a major incident in which Swat teams were dispatched. Cyber crime is an issue which has no boundaries and affects people on a local, regional and global level.
"We are pursuing cyber criminals using the latest technology and working with businesses and academia to further develop specialist investigative capabilities to protect and reduce the risk to the public.
Deputy chief constable Peter Goodman added: "This arrest demonstrates that we will pursue those who commit crime with the false perception they are protected within their own homes or hiding behind anonymous online personas.
"As we continue to build capability and develop skills across wider policing, we still need industry, communities and individuals to protect themselves by implementing basic security measures whilst taking full advantage and enjoyment of the opportunities the world wide web provides."