Two teenagers have been formally charged in connection with a significant cyber attack targeting Transport for London (TfL), the organisation responsible for the capital's vast transport network. The charges mark a major development in an investigation led by the Metropolitan Police's specialist Cyber Crime Unit.
The accused, both male and aged 16 and 17, cannot be named for legal reasons due to their status as minors. They were arrested earlier this week following an investigation into the digital security incident.
The alleged attack is understood to have targeted internal computer systems within TfL, which manages the city's Tube, bus, and road networks. While the full extent of the breach and its potential impact on services is still under scrutiny, the incident has raised serious concerns about the vulnerability of critical national infrastructure.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed the charges, stating: "Two teenagers have been charged following an investigation by the Met's Cyber Crime Unit into a computer misuse offence relating to Transport for London."
Both individuals have been bailed and are scheduled to appear at a youth court in London at a future date. The investigation is described as ongoing, with cyber forensic experts working to establish the precise nature and scope of the alleged intrusion.
Transport for London has been made aware of the developments. A TfL spokesperson emphasised that the organisation takes cybersecurity "extremely seriously" and continues to work closely with law enforcement agencies. They added that no operational systems or customer data were compromised during the incident.
This case highlights the growing trend of younger individuals becoming involved in sophisticated cyber criminality and the increasing focus of law enforcement on policing the digital realm.
