Spanish Authorities Arrest Teen for Allegedly Hacking Police Databases, NATO Bases and Many Others

Spanish authorities have arrested an 18-year-old suspected hacker, going by the moniker Natohub, who claimed responsibility for more than 40 cyberattacks against companies, institutions and even NATO databases. 

The hacker had only been active since early 2024, and the National Police started investigating after a Madrid business association saw a post on a forum specializing in data leaks in which private information was being sold. 

The hacker was very active last year, going after the National Mint and Stamp Factory, the State Public Employment Service, the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports, various Spanish universities, as well as databases of NATO, the United States Army, the General Directorate of Traffic, the United Nations, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and many other targets.

The last attacks targeted two databases of the Civil Guard and the Ministry of Defense. The suspect is accused of discovery and disclosure of secrets, illegal access to computer systems, computer damage and money laundering. He also allegedly sold some of the information obtained or published it for free on various forums.

He allegedly tried to cover his tracks online by changing monikers and using various tools to remain hidden.

“The suspect, who had extensive knowledge of computers, had managed to set up a complex technological network through the use of anonymous messaging and browsing applications, through which he had managed to hide his tracks and thus make his identification difficult,” said the authorities in a statement.

Moreover, the authorities allege the detainee had more than 50 cryptocurrency accounts with different types of cryptoassets. Also, the National Police and the Civil Guard collaborated closely with Interpol and the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) from The United States.