Operation Cybersnare

Operation Cybersnare
VenueOnline (Bulletin Board System "Celco 51")
TypeSting operation, Cybercrime
TargetComputer hackers
sellers of stolen data
ParticipantsUnited States Secret Service
OutcomeArrests of six individuals, breakup of a cell phone fraud ring, seizure of computer systems and illicit devices.
Property damageMillions of dollars worth of data stolen.
Arrests6
ChargesComputer fraud
cell phone fraud, theft of personal information.

Operation Cybersnare was a sting operation by United States Secret Service targeted at computer hackers. This was the first undercover Internet sting of its kind. Elaborate ruses were designed by law enforcement agencies to trap computer criminals. The operation lasted for 8 months.

The sting resulted in arrests of six individuals and the breakup of a sophisticated cell phone fraud ring. These individuals stole millions of dollars worth of data.