Federal prosecutors are gearing up for what they believe will be the biggest identity theft prosecution in U.S. history, after investigators broke up a major hacking ring allegedly responsible for stealing and selling more than 40 million credit and debit card numbers.
"As far as we know, this is the single largest and most complex identity theft case that"s ever been charged in this country," Attorney General Michael Mukasey said today at a news conference in Boston. Eleven suspects will face charges that include conspiracy, fraud and identity theft as part of the alleged scheme.
A federal grand jury handed down an indictment for Albert "Segvec" Gonzalez and prosecutors charged Christopher Scott and Damon Patrick Toey for allegedly hacking into wireless computer networks of several major corporations, including OfficeMax, Barnes & Noble, Boston Market, Sports Authority, Forever 21, DSW, BJ"s Wholesale Club and TJX Companies, which operates retail stores T.J. Maxx and Marshall"s. All three of the men reside in Miami.