Hackers empty a Mexican town's coffers

XALAPA, Mexico (AFP) - Hackers left a small Mexican town penniless after breaking into its bank accounts and stealing more than US$500,000 (S$648,000), officials said Friday.

The theft took place on Nov 11, when 33 transfers were made from six accounts that the eastern town of Ursulo Galvan had in the Mexican branch of Spain's Banco Santander, the town treasurer said.

"To state clearly, they left us without one cent," Mayor Cesar Dominguez told AFP.

Officials in the town of 26,000 blamed errors in the bank's security system.

Bank representatives could not be immediately reached for comment.

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