In the US, a Moldovan was charged with computer fraud
In December 2021, US authorities indicted Moldovan Alexander Lefterov.
According to the prosecutor’s office, which received the indictment on April 16, he is accused of computer fraud and identity theft, Europa Libera reports.
According to the indictment, from March to November 2021, Lefterov and his associates operated and controlled a “botnet” (a network of interconnected devices) that included thousands of infected computers throughout the United States. In this action, Lefterov’s accomplices could have been programmers who provided maintenance and regular updates to this network.
During these operations, Lefterov and his accomplices stole victims’ data from infected computers. This data was then used to access the accounts of various financial institutions and payment systems in order to steal money belonging to the victims.
At the same time, to further monetize this scheme, Lefterov allegedly offered the “botnet” to other accomplices, giving them access to infected computers and login data stolen from victims. In addition, Lefterov and his accomplices provided access to the “botnet” and distributed malware, including ransomware, to infected computers within the network. As the owner and operator of the “botnet”, Lefterov had a percentage share of the profits generated by the scheme.
“Lefterov and his co-conspirators allegedly used their cyber skills and capabilities across the country, regardless of the financial harm they caused,” said U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan.
The investigation into this case was conducted with the assistance of the Secret Service and the FBI.
If convicted, Lefterov faces up to five years in prison for intent to commit computer fraud and unauthorized access to protected computers for the purpose of obtaining information or financial gain. At the same time, prosecutors note that the deliberate destruction of a protected computer is punishable by imprisonment for up to 10 years.
On December 29, 2021, the FBI announced that it had issued an arrest warrant for Alexander Lefterov on suspicion of his involvement in computer crimes.
