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Hacker walks free after global internet attack | | 2008/07/15 | | Charges levelled at a New Zealand teenager relating to an attack on the computer system at the University of Pennsylvania in 2006 have been dismissed.
Owen Thor Walker was 16 years-old when he was part of a network which allegedly infiltrated over 1.3 million computers all over the world, skimming millions of dollars from internet users' bank accounts.
Walker had already pleaded guilty to charges of accessing electronic data for dishonest purposes and two charges of accessing systems without permission.
He also faced charges of damaging and interfering with computer systems and possessing software enabling illegal practices.
Walker, now 18, was looking at five years imprisonment for each charge but he was released without a criminal record after the charges were dropped but was ordered to pay costs amounting to 14,526 NZ Dollars (£5,500) for his actions.
After the hearing, detective inspector Peter Devoy said that one idea that has kept Walker out of prison was the possibility of using his undeniable skill on the right side of the law but "there is no offer on the table at the moment".
Software, hardware and other computer related assets which were obtained using cash from Walker's exploits were ordered to be handed over.
Walker's involvement did not stretch to any actual theft from bank accounts but software which he designed and sold made this possible for others who are still under investigation, police said. |
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