14 DAY TRIAL // Cameron Harrison, one of the many individuals accused of being involved with the Carder.su identity theft service, has pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him. He initially pleaded not guilty, but he has changed his mind even though he hasn’t been offered a plea agreement.
According to a court document obtained by Ars Technica, Harrison, who used the online moniker “Kilobit,” became associated with Carder.su in June 2008.
He’s said to have purchased counterfeit identification documents and compromised payment card data from the underground service’s vendors and members.
The man is accused of participating in a racketeer influenced corrupt organization, conspiracy to engage in a racketeer influenced corrupt organization, and trafficking in the production of false identification documents and aiding and abetting.
For the first charge, he faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 (€181,000). He faces the same penalty for count two. For the trafficking in the production of false identification documents charge, Harrison could get up to 15 years in jail and a maximum fine of $250,000 (€181,000).
The prosecution has presented a lot of evidence to demonstrate the crimes in which Harrison and his co-defendants were involved.
For instance, in February 2010, Harrison is said to have ordered a counterfeit Georgia driver’s license in the name of D.M. The driver’s license had his picture.
Later that year, he received via email the details of 21 compromised debit cards. In total, he’s said to have received the details of 265 payment cards.
In addition to Harrison, over 50 other individuals have been charged for their connection to Carder.su. The first one to go to trial was 22-year-old David Camez of Phoenix. Camez, who was convicted back in December 2013 and should be sentenced these days, faces up to 40 years in prison.
Several other people have also pleaded guilty, but the masterminds of Carder.su are still at large.
Carder.su provided identity theft and financial fraud-related services, including trafficking in stolen means of identification, payment card fraud and bank fraud.
Court documents say that “the purposes of the Carder.su organization include the enrichment of its members and associates through: the unlawful trafficking in means of identification, document-making implements, counterfeit identification documents, device-making equipment, and unauthorized and counterfeit access devices.”
The list also includes, “the creation, maintenance, and control of a marketplace for the distribution of stolen property, such as victims’ personal and financial means of identification; the protection of the Carder.su organization and its members from detection, apprehension, and prosecution by law enforcement.”