Suspected FBI-INTERPOL hacker arrested in Greece

A suspected hacker linked to attacks on computer systems of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), Pentagon, National Security Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation was arrested in Greece Wednesday. Computer security firm Sophos said Wednesday night that the 18-year-old, whose name was withheld, was said to live with his mother in the Athens district of Agios Dimitrios. The suspect is alleged to have originally broken into the Interpol crime-fighting website when he was just 15 years old, a Sophos blog post said. If found guilty, the man could face up to five years in prison for the hacks. Sophos quoted Manolis Sfakianakis, head of the Greek computer crime police, as telling state television that the young man used the Internet name "nsplitter." He said the teen would attack websites around the world from the comfort of his home. Also, "Nsplitter" is said to have stolen credit card and banking details from victims' computers by tricking them into downloading malicious toolbars. The alleged hacker is said to have invested in nearly fifty companies on the Athens stock exchange. A search of the suspect's home yielded money and computer equipment, as well as a makeshift explosive device, flares and shotgun cartridges. Sophos said US, French and Greek authorities worked on the investigation since the hacks in February 2008 and February 2009. — RSJ, GMA News