12 Charged for Participating in Cell Phone Cloning Scheme

As a result of an investigation conducted by the US Secret Service’s New York Field Office, a number of 12 individuals were charged by the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York after presumably participating in a cell phone cloning scheme that earned them $250 million (175 million EUR).

“These charges show our commitment to protecting the privacy of consumers and safeguarding the integrity of international telecommunications networks,” Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said.

The 12 are accused of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, the former charges carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

“Through the use of strong investigative techniques and practices, the Secret Service and its law enforcement partners in multiple jurisdictions successfully thwarted further criminal activity and brought these perpetrators to justice,” revealed Brian Parr, special agent in charge of the Secret Service’s New York Field Office.