The FBI has indicted 19 members of an international piracy gang thought to have cracked software, games and films worth millions. FBI agents said the gang members frequently worked within the computer industry and seemed to have engaged in cracking the protection mechanisms purely for the intellectual challenge. It does not appear that the gang was making any money from its activities.
The indictments were announced by U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald in Chicago against 19 members of the underground piracy group known as "RISCISO," led by Sean O'Toole, 26, of Perth, Australia.
Another member of the group implicated in the FBI's investigation, dubbed "Operation Jolly Roger," was Linda Waldron, 57, of Barbados. Extradition will be sought for both.
There were as many as 60 members of the group, who used tightly controlled computer servers that contained stolen merchandise that was valued at $6.5 million.