A 23-year-old man from Huddersfield has been jailed for eight-and-a-half years after orchestrating one of the largest phishing operations ever uncovered in the UK, the Metropolitan Police confirmed today.
Zak Coyne was the mastermind behind LabHost, a criminal online platform that enabled more than 2,000 fraudsters worldwide to carry out phishing attacks by mimicking legitimate organisations, including banks, postal services, and healthcare providers.
Platform for Global Fraud
Operating since 2021, LabHost allowed cybercriminals to purchase phishing websites designed to steal victims’ personal and financial data. The platform offered user-friendly templates replicating trusted brands, enabling even inexperienced criminals to target unsuspecting individuals.
The operation is believed to have caused over £100 million in financial losses, affecting thousands of victims globally.
Coyne pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court to several serious offences, including supplying articles for use in fraud and money laundering. He was sentenced on 14 April 2025.
Global Takedown in April 2024
The Met’s Cyber Crime Unit led an intelligence-driven operation to dismantle LabHost in April 2024, with support from the National Crime Agency, Microsoft, Europol, and other international cybercrime partners.
In a dramatic coordinated effort:
-
24 suspects were arrested
-
More than 70 locations were searched
-
Key servers and infrastructure linked to LabHost were seized and shut down
Victim Support and Public Awareness
To minimise harm, the Met Police set up a dedicated helpline, issued online safety guidance, and worked with financial institutions to help victims recover compromised accounts. All reported cases were logged with Action Fraud and shared with UK Finance.
Specially trained officers provided tailored support to victims, some of whom had unknowingly handed over sensitive details like passwords, banking credentials, and ID numbers.
Authorities Praise Collaborative Effort
Commander Stephen Clayman, who led the investigation, praised the groundbreaking collaboration:
“This verdict reflects our relentless efforts to dismantle complex cyber networks and protect the public. The success of this operation lies in the strength of international partnerships.”
The Crown Prosecution Service, Europol, Cyber Defence Alliance, and Microsoft echoed the sentiment, highlighting the increasing importance of cross-border cooperation in tackling cyber threats.
