MOSCOW, June 1 (RAPSI) – The Federal Security Service (FSB) along with Russia’s Interior Ministry and National Guard arrested alleged hackers suspected of embezzling 1.7 billion rubles ($26 million) from the accounts of financial organizations, RIA Novosti reports on Wednesday.

According to the FSB, members of the hacking collective have been involved in creation, distribution and use of malicious computer program.

Russian authorities have arrested about 50 people from 15 regions of the country. 18 alleged members of the hacking group were placed in detention while three of them were released but restricted, the statement reads.

A criminal case has been opened under Russia’s Criminal Code’s Articles “Fraud in the sphere of computer information” and “Creation of a criminal community and participation therein.” Charges have been brought against suspects.

Computers, communications tools, fake bank cards, substantial sum of money and financial documents have been seized during the conduct of searches.