Gang that sold car hacking tools to thieves arrested in France

French police arrested 31 members of an organized crime group that sold technology allowing thieves to hack and steal keyless entry cars, according to a news report.

The arrests include the software developers behind the tools, as well as resellers and the car thieves who used them on the street, according to Europol, the law enforcement agency of the European Union.

France’s gendarmerie, which led the investigation, said the organization had designed and marketed its equipment as an “automotive diagnostic solution” but was actually intending it to be used by criminals.

Investigators said the package sold by the criminals included a tablet, connectors, and software. Raids in 22 locations across Europe last week led to the seizure of equipment, alongside more $1.08 million (USD) in criminal assets and dozens of blank vehicle keys. Europol said that the criminals targeted keyless vehicles from two French car manufacturers.

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