Four Global Hackers Arrested in Chile

Four people suspected of computer hacking were arrested in Chile on November 6, 2006. They are accused of belonging to a worldwide group that has invaded thousands of official Websites in many countries in the past few years. Raids conducted at Santiago and other cities led to the arrest of the four hackers. The police conducted the operation in tandem with Interpol and intelligence services in other countries. It followed a probe that stretched over eight months.

The authorities say that the group is accountable for breaking into over 8,000 sites comprising official Websites of Columbia, Turkey, US, Argentina, Peru, Venezuela and Bolivia. The attackers also stole data from private enterprises.

The four hackers were successful in defacing the website of the US space agency NASA also. They are also believed to have intruded the sites of the Chilean finance ministry and the US Berkley University. Chilean television displayed images of the country's national flag as put up on websites of other countries by the hackers.

The police chief in Chile said that the objectives of the hackers were not clear. It is unknown whether the hackers wanted just to mutilate Web pages or access information. One of the detained disclosed to reporters that the group wanted only to amuse itself. The police chief further said that the accused were part of an international group of hackers known as the "Byond" hackers team.

The leader of the hackers was identified as Leonardo Hernandez, 23. Several countries are seeking his arrest. Another of those accused was said to be Carlos Amigo. The other two are twin brothers under 18 and thus, cannot be named. They used the handles Phnx and Codiux.

The prosecutor was of the opinion that the four suspects could face charges of sabotage in electronic medium and serve prison sentences of as much as five years.

A judge ordered imprisonment for Amigo and Hernandez until charges are formally made. The two minors were released but were instructed to appear in response to a summons. The court gave 90 days to prosecutors to file the accusations.

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» SPAMfighter News - 11/10/2006