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Turkish Hacker Sentenced to 8 Years for Computer Intrusion
Ercan Findikoglu, a Turkish citizen also known by the online nicknames ‘Segate,’ ‘Predator,’ and ‘Oreon,’ was sentenced to eight years for his leadership role in organizing and carrying out three cyberattacks on the global financial system between 2011 and 2013 that caused more than $55 million in losses.
The sentence was announced by Robert L. Capers, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and David E. Beach, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service, New York Field Office.
Findikoglu pleaded guilty on March 1, 2016, to computer intrusion conspiracy, access device fraud conspiracy, and effecting transactions with unauthorized access devices. In addition, as part of the sentence, the Court ordered Findikoglu to pay $55,080,226.14 in restitution.
According to public court filings, Findikoglu and his co-conspirators used sophisticated intrusion techniques to hack into the systems of credit and debit card processing companies, manipulated network administrator privileges at the victim card processing companies, manipulated account balances of prepaid debit cards to eliminate withdrawal limits on those cards, and stole the personal identification numbers (PINs) associated with the compromised debit cards.
Findikoglu organized and carried out three such unlimited operations. In the first operation on February 27 and 28, 2011, Findikoglu’s cashing crews withdrew approximately $10 million through approximately 15,000 fraudulent ATM withdrawals in 18 countries. In a second operation on December 21 and 22, 2012, Findikoglu’s cashing crews withdrew approximately $5 million through approximately 5,000 fraudulent ATM withdrawals in 20 countries.
In a third operation on February 19 and 20, 2013, Findikoglu’s cashing crews withdrew approximately $40 million through approximately 36,000 fraudulent ATM withdrawals in 24 countries. Today’s proceeding was held before United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto.
“Findikoglu was a skilled hacker who chose to use his considerable computer talents for criminal financial gain and to wreak economic havoc, rather than for legitimate pursuits,” stated United States Attorney Capers. Mr. Capers praised the extraordinary efforts of the Secret Service in investigating these complex network intrusions.
“Today’s sentencing brings one of the world’s most prolific cyber-criminals to justice,” stated Special Agent in Charge David Beach of the New York Field Office. “The relentless pursuit by the Secret Service and our international partners to identify and apprehend such criminals demonstrates the success of the law enforcement community to safeguard our nation’s financial infrastructure.”
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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