Beijing authorities arrest 9 in internet malware scheme

Beijing police have arrested nine suspects in a cross-border internet browser hijacking case.

Malware called "Fireball" was developed by a company located in Beijing's Haidian district to hijack browsers and profit from commissions on internet advertising by redirecting traffic, according to the Haidian sub-bureau of the municipal Public Security Bureau on Monday.

The company gained 80 million yuan ($12 million) last year from the malware, which was bundled with legitimate software provided to users, the sub-bureau said.