Sergey Vovnenko, Wire Fraud Conspiracy, New Jersey 2016

Newark, NJ – A brazen Ukrainian hacker has admitted to stealing log-in credentials and payment card data from thousands of computers across the globe, including New Jersey.

Sergey Vovnenko, a/k/a ‘Sergey Vovnencko,’ ‘Tomas Rimkis,’ ‘Flycracker,’ and other aliases, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft in U.S. District Court in Newark.

According to court documents, Vovnenko and his conspirators operated an international hacking organization from September 2010 to August 2012, using a botnet of over 13,000 infected computers to steal sensitive information from users and companies worldwide.

The hackers used malware known as ‘Zeus’ to steal banking information and record the keystrokes of infected computer users. Vovnenko also operated several online criminal forums, where members traded in stolen log-in credentials and payment card data.

As part of his plea agreement, Vovnenko faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for wire fraud conspiracy. He must also serve a mandatory two-year sentence for aggravated identity theft, to be served consecutively to the conspiracy charge.

The investigation was led by the U.S. Secret Service, in coordination with Italian law enforcement. U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman credited the agents for their ongoing efforts, saying, ‘Their tireless work has brought a high-level hacker to justice.’

Vovnenko’s sentencing is scheduled for May 2, 2016. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of cybercrime and the importance of protecting our personal information online.

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