Russian National Charged in Credit Card Data Heist

A Russian national indicted for hacking into point of sale systems at retailers throughout the United States and operating websites that distributed credit card data of thousands of credit card holders appeared today for arraignment in U.S. federal court.

According to the indictment, Roman Valerevich Seleznev, aka ‘Track2,’ 30, of Vladivostok, Russia, hacked into retail point of sale systems to steal credit card numbers between October 2009 and February 2011. Seleznev also created and operated infrastructure using servers located all over the world to facilitate the theft and sale of credit card data and host carding forums.

Seleznev is charged with 29 counts: five counts of bank fraud, eight counts of intentionally causing damage to a protected computer, eight counts of obtaining information from a protected computer without authorization, one count of possession with intent to defraud of 15 or more unauthorized access devices (stolen credit card numbers), two counts of trafficking in unauthorized access devices and five counts of aggravated identity theft.

U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan said, ‘Cyber-criminals should take heed: distance will not protect you from the reach of justice. We will investigate, we will locate, and we will bring foreign hackers to stand trial.’

Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell added, ‘Cyber-criminals have caused enormous financial damage and innumerable invasions of Americans’ privacy, often from halfway around the world.’

The case is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force, which includes detectives from the Seattle Police Department.

Seleznev entered pleas of ‘not guilty’ to the charges in the indictment today. Trial is scheduled for October 6, 2014.

Seleznev has also been charged in an indictment filed in the District of Nevada that was returned on Jan. 10, 2012, and unsealed on Nov. 13, 2013, alleging that he participated in a racketeer influenced corrupt organization and conspired to engage in a racketeer influenced corrupt organization.

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