The Russian FSB security agency has detained nine alleged hackers who they believe were responsible for over $17 million in bank heists.

The nine are said to be a part of a 50 member hacking group that has stolen more than one billion rubles ($16.8 million, 15.8 million euros) since 2013. "Nine individuals suspected of participating in hacking attacks were detained on January 25," ministry spokeswoman Irina Volk said.

At this time, there are a total of 27 members and organizers who are under investigation according to the ministry with 19 under arrest in pre-trial jail.

Experts say that the majority of cybercrime in Russia is related to financial crime, although they do not rule out hacking that may have affected the outcome of the U.S. presidential elections.

The FSB is also under scrutiny since two of its members are under investigation for treason linked to the U.S. You may recall that we reported that one of Kaspersky's cybercrime investigators is also under investigation for treason.

Source: Security Week