September 30, 2024 at 06:00AM
The Department of Justice and SEC charged British national Robert Westbrook, 39, with hacking into the systems of five US companies. He allegedly gained unauthorized access to executive email accounts, obtained nonpublic information, and profited from trading securities before public earnings announcements. He faces extradition and potential prison sentence, fines, and retribution if found guilty.
Key takeaways from the meeting notes:
– The Department of Justice and SEC have announced charges against British national Robert Westbrook for hacking into the systems of five US companies.
– Westbrook is accused of hacking into executive email accounts to obtain nonpublic information about earnings announcements, and using this information to make substantial profits from trading securities.
– He allegedly attempted to conceal his identity using VPN services, anonymous email accounts, and bitcoin.
– The SEC’s complaint seeks civil penalties, restitution of ill-gotten gains with interest, and an injunction against future violations of securities laws.
– If found guilty, Westbrook could face significant prison time and be ordered to pay millions in fines and retribution.