The warrants were issued as a part of Operation Sundevil, which was a two year investigation into alleged illegal computer hacking activities. The United States Secret Service, in cooperation with the United States Attorney's Office, and the Attorney General for the State of Arizona, established an operation utilizing sophisticated investigative techniques, targeting computer hackers who were alleged to have trafficked in and abuse stolen credit card numbers, unauthorized long distance dialing codes, and who conduct unauthorized access and damage to computers. While the total amount of losses cannot be calculated at this time, it is estimated that the losses may run into the millions of dollars. For example, the unauthorized accessing of long distance telephone credit cards have resulted in uncollectible charges. The same is true of the use of stolen credit card numbers.
Individuals are able to utilize the charge accounts to purchase items for which no payment is made.
Chicago, IL Cincinatti, OH Detroit, MI Los Angeles, CA Miami, FL Newark, NJ New York, NY Phoenix, AZ Pittsburgh, PA Plano, TX Richmond, VA San Diego, CA San Jose, CA Unlawful computer hacking imperils the health and welfare of individuals, corporations and government agencies in the United States who rely on computers and telephones to communicate. All are to be commended for their efforts for their efforts in researching intrusions and documenting losses. McNamee and Corbin expressed concern that the improper and alleged illegal use of computers may become the White Collar crime of the 1990's. McNamee and Corbin reiterated that the state and federal government will vigorously pursue criminal violations of statutes under their jurisdiction. Three individuals were arrested yesterday in other jurisdictions on collateral or independent state charges.