Introduction to the Case
A Van Nuys man pleaded guilty Thursday to scheming to market and sell malware that gave purchasers control over computers and enabled them to steal victims’ private communications, login credentials and other personal information.
Details of the Guilty Plea
Edmond Chakhmakhchyan, 25, entered his plea to a federal conspiracy charge for advertising a device as an interception device, transmitting a code to intentionally cause damage to protected computers and to intentionally access a computer to obtain information, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Sentencing and Charges
U.S. District Judge Hernán D. Vera set sentencing for Aug. 7, at which time Chakhmakhchyan would face up to five years behind bars, prosecutors said.
The Malware Scheme
The indictment filed in Los Angeles federal court last year describes an agreement between the malware’s creator and Chakhmakhchyan in which the defendant would post ads for the Hive remote access trojan, or RAT, on the Hack Forums website, accept Bitcoin payments for licenses to use the malware and provide customer service to those who purchased the licenses.
How the Malware Worked
Customers purchasing the spyware would transmit Hive RAT to protected computers and gain unauthorized control over and access to those devices, allowing the RAT purchaser to close or disable programs, browse files, record keystrokes, access incoming and outgoing communications and steal passwords and other credentials for bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets, all without the victims’ knowledge or permission, according to the indictment.
Background of the Defendant
Chakhmakhchyan began working with the creator of the Hive RAT, previously known as “Firebird,” about five years ago and advertised online the RAT’s many features, federal prosecutors said.
Evidence Against the Defendant
After advertising the Hive RAT, Chakhmakhchyan exchanged electronic messages with purchasers and explained to one buyer that the malware allowed the Hive RAT user to access another person’s computer without that person knowing about the access, the indictment states.
Chakhmakhchyan also sold a license for the Hive RAT to an undercover employee of a law enforcement agency, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Conclusion
The guilty plea of Edmond Chakhmakhchyan marks a significant step in the fight against cybercrime and the use of malware to compromise personal and sensitive information. It highlights the importance of law enforcement efforts to track and prosecute individuals involved in such activities, protecting the public from these threats.
FAQs
What was Edmond Chakhmakhchyan charged with?
Edmond Chakhmakhchyan was charged with a federal conspiracy charge for advertising a device as an interception device, transmitting a code to intentionally cause damage to protected computers and to intentionally access a computer to obtain information.
What is the Hive RAT?
The Hive RAT, or remote access trojan, is a type of malware that allows unauthorized access and control over protected computers, enabling the theft of private communications, login credentials, and other personal information.
What is the potential sentence for Chakhmakhchyan?
Chakhmakhchyan faces up to five years behind bars when he is sentenced on August 7.
