In a groundbreaking case that sheds light on the dark world of cybercrime, Joseph James O’Connor, better known by his online alias “PlugwalkJoe,” has been sentenced to five years in prison. O’Connor, a British citizen, was extradited from Spain and pleaded guilty to a range of cybercrime offenses, including conspiracy to commit computer hacking, money laundering, and cyberstalking. The charges stemmed from two separate cases—one involving a cryptocurrency theft scheme and the other related to high-profile cyber intrusions and online extortion.
He also stalked and threatened an underage victim
O’Connor and his accomplices orchestrated a sophisticated scheme involving SIM swap attacks to steal cryptocurrency from a prominent Manhattan-based cryptocurrency company. Through the use of SIM swaps, they gained control over the victims’ mobile phone numbers, allowing unauthorized access to their accounts. O’Connor and his co-conspirators successfully stole approximately $794,000 worth of cryptocurrency, which has since grown in value to over $1.6 million. The stolen funds were then laundered through numerous transfers and exchanges, some of which were converted into Bitcoin and deposited into O’Connor’s personal cryptocurrency exchange account.
O’Connor’s involvement extended beyond cryptocurrency theft. In a separate case, he participated in the high-profile hack of Twitter accounts, where he and his co-conspirators used social engineering techniques to gain unauthorized access to administrative tools. They then transferred control of targeted accounts to unauthorized users, initiating a fraudulent scheme to defraud Twitter users. O’Connor also engaged in unauthorized access to social media accounts associated with public figures, including TikTok and Snapchat, to obtain sensitive materials and extort victims.
Furthermore, O’Connor’s criminal activities took a disturbing turn when he began stalking and threatening a minor victim. He orchestrated a series of swatting attacks—a dangerous form of harassment involving false emergency calls to law enforcement—placing innocent lives at risk and causing widespread panic.
The conviction and sentencing of Joseph James O’Connor send a powerful message about the serious consequences that cybercriminals face. His actions highlight the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures and increased public awareness of the dangers posed by individuals seeking to exploit digital platforms for personal gain. The successful prosecution of O’Connor was the result of outstanding collaboration between law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.
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