Four individuals in Britain were arrested early on Thursday morning by the National Crime Agency on suspicion of involvement in a range of ransomware attacks targeting the British retail sector earlier this year.

The individuals are a 20-year-old British woman from Staffordshire, a 19-year-old Latvian male from the West Midlands, a 19-year-old British man from London and a 17-year-old British male from the West Midlands. 

All four are now in custody having been arrested at home, and the NCA said its officers have seized their electronic devices for forensic analysis.

The individuals are suspected of involvement in three incidents in April impacting British retailers Marks & Spencer, the Co-op and the London-based luxury store Harrods.

The NCA said the individuals are suspected of Computer Misuse Act offenses, blackmail, money laundering and participating in the activities of an organized crime group.

“Since these attacks took place, specialist NCA cybercrime investigators have been working at pace and the investigation remains one of the Agency’s highest priorities,” said Paul Foster, the head of the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit.

“Today’s arrests are a significant step in that investigation but our work continues, alongside partners in the UK and overseas, to ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice.

“Cyber attacks can be hugely disruptive for businesses and I’d like to thank M&S, Co-op and Harrods for their support to our investigations. Hopefully this signals to future victims the importance of seeking support and engaging with law enforcement as part of the reporting process. The NCA and policing are here to help.”