Romanian man extradited to U.S. on hacking charges over virus that hit NASA
NEW YORK (Reuters) – A Romanian man accused of serving to distribute a pc virus that contaminated greater than 1 million computer systems and induced large monetary losses worldwide has been extradited to the US, federal prosecutors mentioned on Tuesday.
Mihai Paunescu, 37, is accused of operating a internet hosting service that helped distribute the Gozi virus, which stole private checking account info whereas remaining nearly undetectable. He made an preliminary look on Monday in federal courtroom in Manhattan, the place he was ordered detained.
Prosecutors mentioned the virus is among the many most financially damaging in historical past, inflicting tens of thousands and thousands of {dollars} in losses for victims.
The virus was first found in 2007 and contaminated not less than 40,000 computer systems in the US, together with greater than 160 belonging to the Nationwide Aeronautics and House Administration (NASA).
Paunescu was extradited from Colombia following his arrest final yr, and charged with conspiring to commit pc intrusion and conspiring to commit financial institution and wire fraud.
A lawyer for Paunescu didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
Paunescu had beforehand been arrested in Romania in 2012 and launched on bail.
U.S. prosecutors introduced prices the next yr in opposition to Paunescu and Nikita Kuzmin, the virus’ Russian creator, who secretly pleaded responsible in 2011 as a part of a cooperation settlement.
(Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; enhancing by Jonathan Oatis)
