Charges Dropped Against a Teenage Hacker
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An eighteen year old hacker had charges dropped because he had a “potentially bright career”. Owen Walker was charged as a teen and it was not for a small crime:
“…Investigators called Mr Walker’s programme one of the “most advanced” they had seen, prosecutors said.
He did not take money from people’s accounts, but he was paid nearly $31,000 (£15,500) for software he designed that gave the cyber-ring access usernames, passwords and credit card details.”
link: NZ teenage hacker charges dropped
It seems that Owen Walker used his computer skills for criminal purposes. This ruling sets a horrible precedent. He had financial gain from his activities. The people who were victimize by this teenager’s program may think that this ruling minimizes the crime.
Catherine Forsythe
One Comment
tony bishop
July 17th, 2008
at 4:28am
What was not reported because it is illegal in NZ is that the young man is a minor and autistic which makes precludes much of the usual social interactions. But he is extremely intelligent.
He received little of the money himself, and has led authorities to other members of the group.
Sometimes it is wise to remember that what you see is not always all there is to see!