Cybercrime Nexus Tracked to Russia

A growing trail of evidence points to a major Russian internet company as the hub of much of the world's cybercrime, according to law enforcement officials. The shadowy firm hosts websites devoted to child pornography, spamming, and identity theft, the Washington Post reports. Security experts believe the St. Petersburg-based company has strong organized crime ties, and has helped bilk Americans out of millions of dollars.

The company, Russian Business Network, specializes in "bulletproof hosting"—operating sites that deflect law enforcement officials' attempts to shut them down—for clients operating illegal operations. Cybercrime thrives in countries where laws are weak. The Russian government has not cooperated with efforts to shut the company down. (More cybercrime stories.)