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The Minister on Interior Miguel Macedo, announced on 28th May 2014 that 5000 civilians are to join the PSP and GNR.

This is to make up for staff loses that have taken placed between 2009 and 2013.

 

Worldwide alert – Over £60 million losses in GameOver Zeus Malware attacks

Alerts have have been issued by the National Crime Agency in the UK, FBI, other law enforcement agencies as far away as Australia and carried in the media and was on Sky News today. Computer users worldwide in particular those doing their banking on-line have been warned to ensure that their computer security protection is up to date.

In the UK thousands of computer users were warned today (2nd June) that they have two weeks to take action to protect their machines against a powerful computer virus used to extort millions of pounds from victims worldwide.The National Crime Agency said the two-week window had been opened after an operation led by the FBI managed to take control of servers used to control the “highly sophisticated” malicious software which has been stealing personal and financial data worldwide.

More than 15,000 machines in the United Kingdom are believed to have been infected with the virus, known as GameOver Zeus, which has been tailored by a criminal gang based in Russia and the Ukraine to search for files that will allow access to banking or financial information. The FBI believes that GameOver Zeus has been responsible for $100m (£60m) in losses.

According to FBI estimates, nearly 250,000 computers worldwide have been infected with CryptoLocker since it emerged in April and it has so far been used to extort payments of more than $27m (£16m). Up to a million machines worldwide are thought to have been infected with GameOver Zeus.

Internet service providers will now contact thousands of customers believed to have been affected by Gameover Zeus, which is distributed via links or attachments in unsolicited emails, offering advice on how to update anti-virus software to disable the virus. A website set up to provide this information appeared to be offline last night.

Andy Archibald, Deputy Director of the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit, said: “Nobody wants their personal financial details, business information or photographs of loved ones to be stolen or held to ransom by criminals. By making use of this two-week window, huge numbers of people in the UK can stop that from happening to them.” Mr Archibald continues: “Those committing cybercrime impacting the UK are often highly-skilled and operating from abroad. The NCA and its partners are alive to the threat, and pursuing new and collaborative ways to tackle and disrupt the perpetrators.”

Tony Neate, our CEO here at Get Safe Online, also commented: “Whether you find online security complicated or confusing, or simply haven’t thought about keeping your personal or office computers safe for a while, now is the time to take action. Our message is simple: update your operating system and make this a regular occurrence, update your security software and use it and, think twice before clicking on links or attachments in unsolicited emails.”

The warning comes after the FBI and agencies in 10 other countries claimed success in their efforts to crack down on the criminal gang behind the viruses by launching a simultaneous attack on servers used by the gang to control their operation.

The GameOver Zeus malware creates a “botnet”, a network of computers that spread the viruses and transfer banking information back to the gang. Information received by the criminals is then used to initiate or hijack electronic money transfers and direct money into bank accounts overseas.

The FBI said on Monday that it believed it had identified a ringleader of the gang, a Syrian-born Russian called Evgeniy Mikhailovich Bogachev, who remains at large but is now facing 14 criminal charges alleging that he is the “administrator” of GameOver Zeus. He is also accused of being a leader of the “tightly knit gang” behind CyberLocker. There were unconfirmed reports last night that one of the suspects is British.

James Cole, the US Deputy Attorney General, said: “These schemes were highly sophisticated and immensely lucrative, and the cyber criminals did not make them easy to reach or disrupt.”

From a charity worker in London to a plastics manufacturer in Pennsylvania, the victims of Gameover Zeus and CyberLocker viruses are spread across the world and from all walks of life.

The FBI said last night that it had charged a suspected ringleader of the gang behind the malware with involvement in wire fraud after $824,000 (£491,000) was taken from the bank account of Haysite Reinforced Plastics in northwestern Pennsylvania in a single day in 2011.

Neither “botnets” nor “ransomware” are new. But investigators have been taken aback by the sophistication of these particular viruses. According to research by the University of Kent, up to 40 per cent of victims of CyberLocker have decided to pay the ransom, potentially raising million of pounds for the gang.

Anti-cybercrime experts today advised computer users to update their internet security software and download a free tool to thwart the powerful viruses.

The National Crime Agency advised users to consult the Government-backed getsafeonline.org website to download the tailored anti-virus software provided by eight companies. But Get Safe Online apologised on Monday after its website crashed under the number of requests to view its content.

In a statement, chief executive Tony Neate said: “We have been overwhelmed by the interest of those trying to take action to protect themselves by visiting our page.”

The situation in Portugal is unknown but computer users are advised to view the National Crime Agency website page for advice concerning the malware attack

In the early hours of 28th May a 40 year old British woman was stabbed 14 times in the back after she returned home with a 22 year old man she met in a bar whilst celebrating her birthday in Albufeira.

At around 0530 hrs following the attack she managed to flee and asked for help in the street.

The suspected culprit was later arrested by the GNR at a bus station close by and said that he did not remember anything. He appeared to be either drunk or had taken drugs.

The police later recovered a kitchen knife.

It is reported the family are shocked as the youth had lived in the area with his grandparents who are also British and are considered by all to be a quiet person and well behaved.

The victim from Liverpool has subsequently claimed that the culprit “spiked her drink” and passed out. When she awoke with the stabbing the man cried out that “he had killed Maddie whilst stabbing her”!!

Comment

Draw your own conclusions.

 

On 28th May 2014, the GNR arrested two men who had earlier stolen 200 meters of copper cable owned by PT Communications.

Also seized was a van and cutting equipment used in connection with the theft.

Comment

There seems to be an increase in reports of copper theft at present – mainly copper cable.

On 28th May 2014, the PSP Lagos arrested two women suspected of drug trafficking. The police operation lasted the full day and included searches of various houses.

In addition to the arrests a total of 442 doses of herion, 220 doses of cocaine and 24 doses of hashish were seized.

On 28th May 2014, the GNR arrested two men aged 31 and 47 years for theft after the two broke into the Centro Hipico Luisitania, stealing articles to the value of around €7000.

The culprits entered the property after breaking a fence and two windows and stole two screens, a sound system, alcohol and around 200 meters of copper wire. The center was due to have its official opening on 1st June.

The two men were later arrested at an abandoned house near a beach in Ferragudo when loading the articles into a van.

 

 

Full House at Monchique Wildfire Prevention Seminar

It was a full house at the Monchique Wildfire Prevention and Environmental Protection Seminar held at the Junta de Fregusia de Monchique on Friday 30^th May 2014, jointly organized by Safe Communities Algarve and GNR Portimao.

The seminar began with David Thomas President of Associacao Safe Communities Algarve welcoming those present and gave an introduction on how the Association supports the work of the emergency services concerning wildfire prevention. A presentation was then given by Captain Rui Cardona Commander GNR Portimão of the work of SEPNA in helping to prevent forest fires as well as their roles in dealing with cruelty to animals and other environmental protection matters.

Ms Carina Coelho from the ANPC Civil Protection Agency then explained the role of the ANPC outlining their structure, responsibilities, how they coordinate resources in response to fires as well as action to be taken in the unlikely event of an earthquake. This was followed by a presentation by Manuel Carvelho, Commander of the Monchique Bombeiros who outlined the work they undertook in both preventing and dealing with fires in the area.

A lengthy question and answer session then took place in which questions were raised about the cleaning of both private and public land in order to help prevent fires; the role of the municipality in this respect; how to report fire risks; the GNR Safe Residence Programme and whether the numbering system could be used by the Bombeiros; the use of fire prevention leaflets for visitors using mobile homes and other fire risks.

After the seminar a visit was made to the GNR GIPS base nearby where a briefing was took place on coordinating local response to a wildfire followed by a demonstration of their equipment. The visit included a visit to and briefing on the operation of the helicopter operated by DECIF and a demonstration of some of its equipment. The group then visited the Bombeiros fire station where Commander Carvelho gave a talk on how the station operated and its equipment.

David Thomas commented “This was one of the most comprehensive seminars and displays to take place in area on this important subject aimed preventing wildfires. Our thanks go to the GNR Portimao in helping to organize this event. The Fire risk has already been at “extreme” level in Monchique several times so far this year so I am pleased with the turnout from residents”.

More displays/seminars are planned in the coming weeks including Messines on 26^th June and Silves on 4^th July. More details are on the Safe Communities Algarve website; www.safecommunitiesalgarve.com. If you would like to attend please register with Associação Safe Communities Algarve at 913045093 or info@safecommunitiesalgarve.com.

On 28th May 2014, following a 5 month investigation, PSP Lagos arrested two foreign nationals aged 36 and 32 years for trafficking in narcotics.

These arrests came as a result of efforts by the Lagos Police to eradicate drug trafficking in the city of Lagos. As a result of the investigation it was possible to identify those involved in the supply of narcotics to consumers that city.

During the execution of search warrants issued by Judicial Authority, 442 doses of heroin, 220 doses of cocaine, 24 doses of hashish, € 1,176 in cash, two precision scales, one electric mill, 4 computers , 8 phones , two cameras, one canister of CS gas and several gold articles were seized.

With these arrests the District Command of Faro believed to have contributed to improving the feeling of security among residents of Lagos .

The two will appear before the  Judicial Authority today.

On 28th May 2014 the Safe Summer police reinforcement programme was announced at a ceremony attended by the Minister for Internal Affairs Miguel Macedo in Faro.

The event was hosted by Desiderio Silva President of Turismo do Algarve and attended by the General Commander of the GNR, National Director of the PSP and Secretary of State for Tourism Adolfo Nunes. Safe Communities Algarve represented by David Thomas President and Lilia Martins Board member also attended.

During the presentations it was announced that an additional 30 PSP officers per day would be present in the Algarve for the period 1st June to 15th September 2014 a period of 107 days. There would also be an additional 200 permanent GNR officers plus 336 on a non-permanent basis to cover various major events being planned in the Algarve during the holiday period.

The PSP Faro District Commander Superintendent  Antonio Silva then gave a detailed presentation on the 4 year plan concerning police during the Safe Summer period. Twelve initiatives were announced which included partnerships with the University of the Algarve as well as implementing the protocol with Safe Communities Algarve.

He added that in 2013 within the areas of the PSP jurisdiction which covered 67.5% of the population in the Algarve, overall crime had decreased by 4.48% compared to 2012 and violent crime by 18.6%.

A presentation was also given by the Regional Director of SEF for the Algarve Fatima Teixeira outlining the population distribution of foreign residents in the Algarve and movement at boarder crossing and arrival/departure points.

 

On 26th May 2014, two Algerian men appeared in court in Loule following their arrest for a series of robberies which took place in Quinta do Lago, Loule municipality in August last year.

The men who were wanted by INTERPOL, for robberies in Monaco and Marseille, were arrested in their hotel room in Quateria on 18th August 2013. Their modus operandi was steel handbags from beaches and use the keys found in bags to enter hotel rooms and homes in the area. They then stole jewelery and watches most of which have since been returned to the owners.

The robbers were arrested by GNR Loule after they were seen on CCTV. It is believed that the robbers entered Portugal using false passports and carried out at least 6 robberies in a period of a few days before being arrested.

Media reports at the time that an investigation was also being undertaken into the proceeds of the robbers being used to fund extremest groups are unfounded.