Cybercrime Southeast Europe Newsletter No. 38

Dear clients,

In the past week, there have been no new developments in the cases where we have filed criminal charges.

According to data from Kaspersky, Serbia ranks among the countries with a high risk of cyber threats, occupying the ninth position on the global list. This indicates that our market has become attractive to cybercriminals, with only Bosnia and Herzegovina having a worse situation in the region. Kaspersky has recorded an increase in all types of threats, particularly ransomware and banking malware, which has grown sixfold over the past year.

The 14% increase in detected malware and the significant rise in banking malware confirm the need for stronger protection. Research shows that 55% of citizens believe they have been tracked by technology, while companies have reported losses often exceeding two million dollars. Although digital transformation brings numerous benefits, it has also opened the door for fraudsters, particularly in systems that are insufficiently protected.

We recommend regularly updating security systems and educating employees, as well as individuals, on recognizing cyber threats in order to reduce the risk of attacks.

A positive example comes from Smederevska Palanka, where members of the Ministry of the Interior, in cooperation with the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office, arrested S. K. (65) and B. V. (74) for multiple frauds. From 2021 to 2023, they defrauded citizens via social media, offering false assistance in inheritance procedures. The investigation revealed that they used 43 bank accounts and illegally acquired more than 5,000,000 dinars.

This case serves as a reminder to citizens to be cautious and encourages the reporting of suspicious activities to the authorities or legal professionals.

Protecting your rights and property is our shared goal.

Kind regards,
Zoran Miljaković
Attorney at Law