Sergey Vovnenko, Hacking, New Jersey 2015

Newark, N.J. – A Ukrainian citizen, Sergey Vovnenko, 29, is scheduled to appear in Newark federal court after being extradited from Italy to face hacking charges. Vovnenko, also known as “Sergey Vovnencko,” “Tomas Rimkis,” “Flycracker,” “Flyck,” “Fly,” “Centurion,” “MUXACC1,” “Stranier,” and “Darklife,” is charged with one count of wire fraud conspiracy, one count of unauthorized computer access, and four counts of aggravated identity theft.

Vovnenko’s alleged crimes date back to September 2010 through August 2012, when he operated an international criminal organization that hacked into the computers of individual users and companies located in the United States and elsewhere. He used a “botnet” of more than 13,000 infected computers to steal data, including user names and passwords for bank accounts and other online services, as well as debit and credit card numbers and related personal identifying information.

According to the indictment, Vovnenko and his conspirators used the stolen data to illegally access and withdraw money from bank accounts and to incur unauthorized charges.

Vovnenko was also a high-level administrator of several online criminal forums, where he trafficked in the stolen data and engaged in discussions related to cybercrime activity.

U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman praised the work of law enforcement in bringing Vovnenko to justice, saying, “Thanks to the work of our law enforcement partners here and in Italy, he is now in America to answer for his alleged crimes.”

Vovnenko was arrested on June 13, 2014, following an international investigation led by the U.S. Secret Service in coordination with Italian law enforcement. He had been detained by the Italian authorities pending the resolution of extradition proceedings, which he contested for more than 15 months.

Vovnenko is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Falk on October 19, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. in Newark federal court. His arraignment will be held before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas.

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