U.S. Court Finds Two Russian Hackers Guilty of $1.3 Million Bank Fraud
Oct 31, 2010
Cybersecurity / Financial Crimes
A US court has found two Russian hackers guilty of bank fraud, involving over $1.3 million. The investigation revealed that the fraudsters broke into computer systems of various companies and used the obtained banking data to steal money from their bank accounts. Authorities believe the fraudsters were part of a larger gang that recruited Russian youngsters. These individuals opened bank accounts where the stolen funds were transferred. The Russians then withdrew the money and distributed it among their accomplices. The verdict will be delivered in 90 days. The two convicted criminals, 25-year-old Dmitry Krivosheev and 24-year-old Maksim Illarionov, face fines of about $250,000 and prison sentences of up to 20 years. The third accused, 25-year-old Aleksey Petrov, was released. This case is not an isolated incident. Recently, six other Russian youngsters were accused of a significant computer hacking scam against US banks. Some received fines, while others were sentenced to six month