Officers from the National Crime Agency warned that thousands of computers have been infected with the Dridex malware harvesting online bank details.
The virus also known as Bugat is said to have been developed in Eastern Europe and is used to steal money from personal and business accounts.
Millions of pounds have already been taken from British bank accounts after the “particularly virulent” virus was unleashed sources say.
Cyber crime experts in the UK are now working alongside the FBI, Europol, GCHQ, Moldovan authorities and the BKA in Germany to find a trace of these cyber criminals.
A “significant” arrest has been made already with further expected. A variety of payment systems have been particularly targeted, with the loss in the UK already rising to an estimated £20 million.
Computers become infected with Dridex malware when users receive and open documents in seemingly legitimate emails. The majority of PCs infected are Windows users, the NCA said.
The FBI’s executive assistant director Robert Anderson said: “Those who commit cyber crime are very often highly-skilled and can be operating from different countries and continents.
“They can and will deploy new malware and we, along with our partners, are alive to this threat and are constantly devising new approaches to tackle cyber crime.
“We urge all internet users to take action and update your operating system. Ensure you have up to date security software and think twice before clicking on links or attachments in unsolicited emails”.
“Cyber criminals often reach across international borders, but this operation demonstrates our determination to shut them down no matter where they are.
“The criminal charges announced today would not have been possible without the cooperation of our partners in international law enforcement and private sector.
“We continue to strengthen those relationships and find innovative ways to counter cyber criminals.”
Be warned.