The US Secret Service has arrested a Russian hacker it claims is one of the world’s most prolific traffickers of financial information.
Roman Valerevich Selezne was indicted in March 2011 for his alleged hacking of point of sales systems throughout the United States between October 2009 and February 2011.
Jeh Johnson, secretary of homeland security, said:"This important arrest sends a clear message: despite the increasingly borderless nature of transitional organized crime, the long arm of justice – and this Department – will continue to disrupt and dismantle sophisticated criminal organizations.
"This arrest reflects the hard work by the U.S. Secret Service and our interagency and international partners, and we must continue close collaboration with the law enforcement community to counter this ever evolving threat."
Selezne, also known as "Track2", is also alleged to have operated international forums facilitating the theft and sale of stolen card data, and will remain in custody until his trial.
He faces charges on five counts of bank fraud, eight charges of intentionally causing damage to a protected computer, and five counts of aggravated identity theft, among others.
"Cyber crooks should take heed: you cannot hide behind distant keyboards. We will bring you to face justice," said U.S. attorney Jenny Durkan.
In a separate incident, Selezne has also been indicted for his alleged involvement in a racketeering group, for which he faces up to 20 years in prison, as well as possession of unauthorised access devices, for which he faces up 10 years.
