A botnet is a network of 4malware-5infected computers secretly controlled by someone who doesn't own them. That control allows a third party to commit widespread crimes with private devices.
"911 S5 was a botnet that 6facilitated cyberattacks, 7large-scale 8fraud, 9child exploitation, harassment, bomb threats, and export 10violations."
The DOJ says Chinese national Wang Yunhe allegedly created the botnet but didn't stop there.
"He then made more than $99 million, selling cyber criminals access to his network of 11hijacked devices. Those criminals 12in turn used that access to commit a 13staggering 14array of crimes."
The department alleges some of Wang 's customers are responsible for 15defrauding the U.S. government of almost $6 billion. It says they used the botnet to submit fake applications for pandemic relief programs. Officials say they've arrested Wang and seized millions of dollars in luxury assets, including a Ferrari and a Rolls Royce.
"16The long arm of the law stretches across borders and into the deepest shadows of the 17dark web."