Indian Prime Minister’s Twitter Hacked In Crypto Scam

A cybercriminal group calling itself John Wick claimed responsibility via tweet from Modi's account, including an email address in the message. The group also denied any role in the Paytm Mall breach from August 30, even though an account previously claiming to represent the group had taken credit for that attack. Paytm's parent company said no data breach had occurred.

The hackers posted several tweets while controlling Modi's account, including one that read: "Now India begins with cryptocurrency. Kindly Donate Bitcoin." Twitter contained the breach and restored Modi's access. The company said it was "actively investigating" and found no connection to mid-July hacks.

Hackers compromised at least 130 high-profile accounts in mid-July. That attack led to the arrest of Graham Ivan Clark, 17, along with two accomplices. Police are pursuing a possible fourth suspect.

Modi joins Warren Buffett, Barack Obama, and Coinbase in having accounts compromised through crypto-focused hacks. Cryptocurrency trading activity in India has surged since a March court decision lifted the ban on crypto transactions. Last month a government official announced the Reserve Bank of India and two ministries were developing rules to restrict cryptocurrency in the country.