Anthony Diaz, Conspiracy to Commit Access Device Fraud, New York 2023

Five New Arrests In $45 Million International Cyberheist Case

BROOKLYN, NY – Earlier today, five defendants were arrested in connection with their participation in the massive cyberheist campaign that inflicted $45 million in losses on the global financial system in a matter of hours in early 2013.

Defendants Anthony Diaz, Saul Franjul, Saul Genao, Jaindhi Polanco and Jose Angeley Valerio were members of the New York-based cell of the international cybercrime organization, which used sophisticated intrusion techniques to hack into the systems of financial institutions, steal prepaid debit card data, and make fraudulent ATM withdrawals on a global scale.

Newly seized photographic evidence reveals that the defendants sent the lion’s share of the proceeds to the organization’s leaders – including $800,000 of criminal cash proceeds sent in luggage and transported to Florida by bus for delivery to a cyberheist organizer.

The superseding indictment unsealed today charges the five arrested defendants with conspiracy to commit access device fraud.

They will be arraigned at 2 p.m. today before United States Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy at the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of New York.

The charges and arrests were announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Steven G. Hughes, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service, New York Field Office.

“As alleged, just a few months ago, after exploiting cyber-weaknesses in the financial system to steal millions from ATMs, these defendants were packing bags to the brim with stolen cash, destined for the cybercriminal organizers of these attacks,” stated United States Attorney Lynch. “Today, we have sent them packing once again – but this time, to jail. We will not relent until all those responsible for these financially devastating cybercrimes are brought to justice.”

This case is another example of the ability of cybercriminals to inflict significant damage to world financial systems. This investigation and the resulting indictments should serve as a reminder to cybercriminals that law enforcement will continue to utilize cutting-edge investigative techniques, traditional tactics and hard work to thwart complex transnational cybercriminal activity.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/five-new-arrests-45-million-international-cyberheist-case