Three individuals were charged today for their roles in the July 15 Twitter breach that hijacked 130 accounts and spread a Bitcoin scam that led to the theft of more than $100,000.
Twitter has confirmed the attackers targeted a small number of its employees with a phone spear-phishing attack. The perpetrators were able to use their stolen credentials to tweet from celebrity accounts, access direct message inboxes, and download data from Twitter accounts. A Department of Justice release describes the attack as a combination of technical breaches and social engineering.
The release states the alleged attackers include Mason Sheppard, 19, a UK citizen charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and the intentional access of a protected computer. Nima Fazeli, 22, is from Orlando, Fla., and charged with aiding and abetting the intentional access of a protected computer.
Their alleged co-conspirator is a 17-year-old who was arrested this morning in Tampa and is charged with 30 felony charges, including a count of organized fraud (over $50,000), 17 counts of communications fraud (over $300), 10 counts of fraudulent use of personal information, one count of fraudulent use of personal information (over $100,000 or 30 or more victims), and one count of access to a computer or electronic device without authority (scheme to defraud).
Law enforcement is charging the 17-year-old as an adult, as Florida law allows minors to be tried as adults in financial fraud cases where appropriate, according to a press release.
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