Suspected Lizard Squad member among 56 arrested in cyber-crime raids

National Crime Agency led week-long strike against suspected hackers

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Fifty-six people have been arrested as part of a week-long strike against suspected hackers by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA).

The week long operation was led by the NCA's National Cyber Crime Unit (NCCU) as well as specialist officers and the Metropolitan police, the BBC reports.

Twnty-five operations were launched in separate locations across England, Wales and Scotland.

In a separate incident, a 23-year-old man in Sutton Coldfield was arrested by West Midlands Police in connection with an alleged cyber-attack on the United States Department of Defence (DoD).

The swoop also saw people believed to be involved in widely known hacking groups detained , with a suspected member of Lizard Squad arrested in Leeds.

Andy Archibald, deputy director of the NCA's National Cyber Crime Unit, said: "Behind this week's activity is the message that all of us, as individuals, businesses or law enforcement agencies, have a role to play in making the UK a safe place to enjoy the huge opportunities provided by the internet.

"Awareness of the type of cyber-crime dangers which are out there is vital, whoever you are, as is collaboration between organisations across different sectors, regions and countries to develop the most effective ways of combating those threats.

"We will continue to work with partners to pursue and disrupt the major crime groups targeting the UK, but also, crucially, to make the UK as difficult as possible a target for cyber criminals in the first place."

Jeffrey Thorpe, special agent in charge, at the US Department of Defence criminal investigative service (DCIS), said: "This arrest underscores DCIS commitment and the joint ongoing efforts among international law enforcement to stop cyber criminals in their tracks. DCIS special agents will use every tool at their disposal to pursue and bring to justice those that attack the Department of Defence.

Additional reporting by PA