The US Department of Justice has charged 29-year-old Junior Barros de Oliveira from Brazil on multiple counts related to the use of stolen information and threats through electronic messages. According to the charges, de Oliveira hacked into a computer network of a company’s Brazilian subsidiary in March 2020, obtaining confidential information on about 300 thousand customers.
In September 2020, de Oliveira allegedly sent a letter to the company’s general manager under a fake name, demanding 300 bitcoins (equivalent to about 3.2 million dollars at that time) in exchange for not selling the stolen data. Subsequent demands were made to the head of the Brazilian branch, with threats of publication of the stolen information if the ransom was not paid.
In another message, de Oliveira claimed he could help fix the security vulnerability but asked for a “consultant fee” of 75 bitcoins (around 800 thousand dollars) with instructions for the transfer of funds to a bitcoin wallet. Each count of threats using stolen information carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison and a fine, while threats through electronic messages could result in up to 2 years in prison and a substantial fine.
This case highlights the risks and consequences associated with computer crimes. While technology can be used for malicious purposes, law enforcement authorities have the capability to uncover such activities and hold perpetrators accountable. It serves as a reminder that individuals engaged in cybercrimes may eventually face justice for their actions, illustrating the challenges of evading detection and punishment in an increasingly digital world.