BUFFALO — U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Wul Isaac Chol, 27, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices with intent to defraud. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that Genesis Market is an online marketplace whose operators compile stolen data, such as computer and mobile device identifiers, email addresses, usernames, and passwords, from malware-infected computers around the globe and package it for sale on the market. Purchases made through Genesis Market are conducted using virtual currency, such as bitcoin. Between June 2019, and January 2021, Chol deposited approximately $105.08 worth of bitcoin in a Genesis account that he had created. Chol used the funds he deposited in his Genesis account to purchase 21 packages of unauthorized access devices. Those packages contained, in total, approximately 778 unauthorized access devices. In addition, Chol admits that he obtained, without authorization, $25,164.00 from the New York State Department of Labor.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 13, 2024, before Judge Sinatra.
All WNY is made possible thanks to coffee and sleep deprivation.
We appreciate your readership. We like money, too.
