The Justice Department announced charges against thirty-six individuals in part of a massive bust of cyber criminals yesterday. The ring allegedly stole identities, credit card information, social security numbers and other personal information through an online discussion forum.
Deputy Assistant Attorney General David Rybicki called the operation “the one-stop shop for cyber criminals worldwide.” Officials estimate it made $530 million in illegal profits over a seven-year period. “We have victims in all 50 states and throughout the world,” Rybicki said. “It’s really a standout in terms of the amount of damage that it caused.”
The Infraud organization, as it’s known, was set up by a Ukrainian national in October 2010. Officials have identified over 10,000 individuals who traded and purchased personal information and other stolen data in the marketplace. Officials made thirteen arrests this week, including five Americans. Eighteen others will need to be extradited from other countries in order to be apprehended.
The suspects have been charged with racketeering, as well as other crimes, and face at least twenty years in prison each if convicted.