NEW YORK, NY – A Macedonian national has finally admitted guilt in a sprawling international cybercrime case, bringing down a sophisticated online marketplace that fueled identity theft and financial ruin for victims worldwide. Djevair Ametovski, also known as “xhevo,” “sindrom,” and “sindromx,” pleaded guilty to access device fraud and aggravated identity theft, ending a years-long pursuit by the U.S. Secret Service.
Ametovski’s illicit enterprise wasn’t some fly-by-night operation. It was a meticulously constructed global marketplace where stolen credit and debit card data, bank account credentials, and sensitive personal identification information were openly traded. The scale of the operation suggests a significant number of victims, their financial lives compromised by Ametovski’s greed. The Secret Service investigation revealed a network reaching across borders, highlighting the challenges of policing crime in the digital age.
“Technology has essentially erased geographic boundaries and changed the way criminals do business,” stated Dave Beach, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service New York Field Office. The statement underscores the agency’s evolving role, moving beyond physical counterfeiting to combatting increasingly complex cyber threats. Beach emphasized the importance of international cooperation, noting the “collaborative efforts of our worldwide network of law enforcement partners” in securing Ametovski’s conviction.
The path to this guilty plea was far from straightforward. Ametovski was initially arrested in Ljubljana, Slovenia, back in January 2014. However, it took over two years – until May 2016 – to finally extradite him to the United States to face charges. This delay underscores the logistical and legal hurdles involved in pursuing cybercriminals operating outside U.S. jurisdiction.
Now, Ametovski faces a steep price for his crimes. He is looking at a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison for access device fraud. Crucially, a mandatory two-year sentence will be added on top of that for the aggravated identity theft charge, bringing the maximum potential penalty to 17 years. Beyond imprisonment, Ametovski will also be ordered to pay restitution to his victims, forfeit any illegally obtained assets, and pay substantial fines.
Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Bridget M. Rohde, lauded the Secret Service for its “extraordinary efforts” in leading the government’s investigation. While the conviction offers a measure of justice, it serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by cybercriminals and the ongoing need for vigilance in protecting personal and financial data.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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