Teen Hackers Face Trial Over £39M TfL Cyber Heist
Two young cyber criminals, Thalha Jubair, 19, and Owen Flowers, 18, are in deep trouble after a huge cyber attack drained Transport for London (TfL) of a whopping £39 million. The pair were caught last September thanks to a joint probe by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and City of London Police.
Cyber Attack Hits TfL and Londoners Hard
At Westminster Magistrates’ Court, prosecutors revealed the devastating scale of the hack. Not only did it cause massive financial damage, but it also put the livelihoods of those depending on TfL licences at risk. Court papers described the breach as a “significant risk” to the UK economy and the daily lives of Londoners.
Serious Charges Laid Against Jubair and Flowers
- Both accused of conspiring to carry out unauthorised acts against TfL.
- Owen Flowers, from Walsall, faces extra charges for cyber attacks on US healthcare firms SSM Health Care and Sutter Health.
- Thalha Jubair, of Tower Hamlets, charged under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) for refusing to hand over device PINs and passwords.
Both defendants denied all allegations during their appearance at Southwark Crown Court last Friday.
Notorious Scattered Spider Gang Tied to Attack
The NCA linked the TfL hack to Scattered Spider, a ruthless hacking crew behind attacks on major firms like Jaguar Land Rover and Marks and Spencer. TfL confirmed the breach happened on 1 September last year, with hackers stealing customer details, including names, contact information, and Oyster card refund banking data.
Judge Christopher Hehir has set the trial for 8 June. The pair will return to court on 13 February for a pre-trial review.
