Windows 11 identifier code used to track Scattered Spider perp after Microsoft shared info with FBI — 19-year-old US-Estonian hacker arrested over alleged ties to infamous extortion group

A 19-year-old US-Estonian hacker, Petet Stokes, was arrested in Finland and extradited to the U.S. for alleged involvement with the notorious Scattered Spider group, which has been linked to high-profile extortion schemes. Microsoft played a pivotal role in the investigation by sharing an identifier code from Windows 11, leading to his arrest. Stokes is now in custody awaiting trial for his suspected role in a May 2025 attack on a luxury jewelry retailer. This case highlights the significant role tech companies can play in law enforcement against cybercrime.