A shadowy Russian hacking group has threatened to shut down ventilators at British hospitals after an alleged member of their gang was arrested in the UK.
The hacker, 23, was arrested in Tottenham, north London on Monday after Romanian government websites were attacked.
Now, members of the sinister Killnet Russian hacking group have demanded his release and threatened to target life-saving ventilators if their demands aren't met.
It is unclear if Killnet are supported by the Russian government - though spy agencies from the Five Eyes alliance - made up of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and US - have described it as a Russian-aligned group acting in the Kremlin's interests.
According to the Sun, cyber crime sources have described the attack threat as being credible.
The hacker, who has not been named, is a vocal supporter of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Facebook. He has posted Russian flags and the letter Z, a symbol present on tanks used in the invasion.
The warning from Killnet, posted on the Telegram messaging site, said: 'If he is not released within 48 hours I will destroy your Romania, Great Britain and Moldova.
'I will destroy your entire information structure and even your Ministry of Health. All ventilators will be attacked.
'Appropriate response. Only then will you begin to realise the mistake you have made.'
The alleged hacker, 23 (stock pic), was arrested in Tottenham, north London on Monday after Romanian government websites were attacked
A tank with the symbol 'Z' painted on its side. The hacker, who has not been named, is a vocal supporter of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Facebook. He has posted Russian flags and the letter Z
It is unclear if Killnet are supported by the Russian government - though spy agencies from the Five Eyes alliance - made up of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and US - have described it as a Russian-aligned group acting in the Kremlin's interests
The hacker is said to have been arrested by National Crime Agency officers alongside officials from Romania.
He is under suspicion of insisting Killnet's attacks on Romanian infrastructure.
The group targeted the Romanian government and media over their support for Ukraine amid the war.
The arrested hacker is believed to have already been released under investigation.
A source told The Sun last night: 'The UK has robust cyber security measures in place and, working with partners, the NCA would lead an appropriate response to any cyber crime incident having a significant impact
