Eight arrested in UK for hacking phones of US celebrities and sport stars

The criminals were able to steal money, bitcoin and personal information, as well as make social media posts and send messages masquerading as the victims

Eight men have been arrested in the UK over a series of sim-swapping attacks on the mobile phones of celebrity victims in the US (Yui Mok/PA)

Eight men have been arrested in the UK over a series of sim-swapping attacks on the mobile phones of victims in the US, including well-known musicians, sports stars and influencers.

The fraud sees criminals hijack the target’s phone by deactivating their sim card and switching the number over to a sim controlled by a member of the criminal network.