Powered by
Sponsored by

Teen who hacked high-profile Twitter accounts for bitcoin fraud sentenced to three years

Clark hijacked accounts of Barack Obama, Elon Musk and Bill Gates

Twitter-hacker-Graham-Ivan-Clark-AP-Reuters

The 18-year-old Twitter hacker Graham Ivan Clark was sentenced to three years in prison for the unprecedented bitcoin scam attack, that involved take over dozens of high-profile accounts on social media. Clark pleaded guilty to the charges. 

Clark hijacked several high-profile accounts including those of former president Barack Obama, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Bill Gates and current US President Joe Biden. Clark, who was 17 at the time, used the accounts to gather more than $100,000 worth in bitcoin. He collaborated with two other collaborators he met online to carry out the hack that took place on July 15 2020. 

Clark has pleaded guilty to over 30 charges including organised fraud, communications fraud and fraudulent use of personal information. 22-year-old Nima Fazeli, who also lives in Florida, and 19-year-old Mason Sheppard, a British citizen have also been charged in relation to the hack. 

Most of the tweets Clark sent out asking for money read, “I am giving back to my community due to COVID-19! All bitcoin sent to my address below will be sent back doubled. If you send $1,000, I will send back $2,000!”

Clark faces three years in prison and three in probation. While on probation, Clark is prohibited from using electronic devices without consent and supervision of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. If caught violating the probation, Clark will have to serve at least 10 years in prison. 

TAGS

📣 The Week is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TheWeekmagazine) and stay updated with the latest headlines