The agency hasn't provided any figures, but it says individuals have already been arrested

Feb 21, 2013 15:14 GMT  ·  By

The UK’s Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) has revealed that it has been monitoring the activities of thousands of individuals who are the members of websites dedicated to online crimes, such as the trading or use of stolen financial and personal information.

The agency hasn’t provided any precise figures, but it says it has contacted individuals who have expressed interest in carding and other sites. The suspects have been contacted via email or in person.

In collaboration with the Dedicated Cheque and Plastic Crime Unit and other UK police forces, SOCA has already made arrests related to bank card fraud.

The efforts are part of a wider campaign aimed at disrupting those engaged in online criminal activities.

“Other criminal websites, and those who engage with them, remain subject to scrutiny from law enforcement bodies in the in the UK and throughout the world,” the agency said.

SOCA advises individuals who have information related to such crimes to call 0800 555 111 or to visit Action Fraud or Crimestoppers.