25/06/2026 13:00 - Actualidad
The Argentine Federal Police (PFA) — Argentina's national law enforcement agency equivalent to the FBI in the United States — successfully identified and located the Argentine hacker known in the digital world as @Goveth, considered one of the most internationally sought-after cybercriminals. The arrest took place in Madrid, Spain, through a coordinated operation between security forces from multiple countries.
The hacker, nicknamed the "Messi of hackers" — a reference to Lionel Messi, Argentina's legendary soccer player considered one of the greatest of all time — allegedly led a sophisticated network of international cyberattacks. According to investigations, he operated with a gang composed mainly of minors, which complicated criminal prosecution.
Authorities link him to multiple cybercrimes including:
The use of minors as operators of the gang is a common strategy in organized cybercrime, since in many countries criminal liability is limited for adolescents, allowing adult leaders to evade serious legal consequences.
This modality of hierarchical cybercrime has grown significantly in recent years, with Argentina being one of the countries with the highest production of high-profile hackers in Latin America, alongside Brazil and Mexico.
According to investigations, @Goveth allegedly accumulated a multimillion-dollar fortune through his illicit activities, living a luxury lifestyle that contrasted with his image as an anonymous hacker on social networks. Authorities tracked financial movements and assets that would evidence the proceeds of cybercrime.
Did you know? Cybercrime generates estimated annual losses of trillions of dollars worldwide, becoming one of the greatest threats to the global digital economy. In 2023 alone, ransomware attacks cost companies over $30 billion globally.
The capture of @Goveth required unprecedented international coordination. The Argentine Federal Police worked together with:
Spain
United States
Interpol
Other countries
The arrest occurred in Madrid, where the hacker was temporarily residing, taking advantage of the freedom of movement within the European Schengen Area — a zone comprising 27 European countries that have abolished passport controls at their mutual borders.
Cybercrime or computer crime encompasses all illegal activities that use the internet or information technologies as a means or end. It ranges from account hacking to ransomware (malicious software that encrypts files and demands payment), phishing (deceptive emails to steal information), identity theft, and financial fraud.
Organized hacker gangs operate as true criminal enterprises, with hierarchical structures, division of labor, and complex money flows designed to launder illicit assets through cryptocurrencies, offshore accounts, and legitimate businesses.
Sources: Argentine Federal Police (PFA), Infobae, Cadena 3, El Liberal. This arrest represents a significant victory for international cybersecurity efforts.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
