Interpol carried out arrests on Tuesday in Spain, Chile, Argentina and Colombia as part of a new initiative called ‘Operation Unmask.’
The operation was initially launched in February after several Anonymous attacks against government and other websites in Columbia, Chile and other parts of Latin America.
The acting executive director of police services, Bernd Rossbach, told Associated Press: "This operation shows that crime in the virtual world does have real consequences for those involved, and that the internet cannot be seen as a safe haven for criminal activity, no matter where it originates or where it is targeted."
Interpol pointed out that nearly 250 "items of IT equipment and mobile phones" were taken during the operation. Nearly 40 premises were searched across 15 cities. Cash and cards were also taken "as part of a continuing investigation into the funding of illegal activities carried out by the suspected hackers who are aged 17 to 40", Interpol said.
The hacking group announced its retaliation to the 25 arrest late on Tuesday. The Anonymous associated account @anonops tweeted: "Tango down! Free international Anons!"
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