FBI came into the picture because of the alleged contacts that Amit Tiwari had with global hacking networks and the fact that most of his clients were foreign nationals. FBI and CBI are working together to assess all possibilities involving national security, corporate hacking, financial fraud and hacking into government departments and secret units. As per CBI, Amit Tiwari hacked at least 900 accounts between the period February 2011 and February 2013 and they feel that this cannot be work of Amit Tiwari alone. Out of the 900 accounts only 171 belonged to Indian nationals.
The FBI officials have been having regular meetings with CBI in New Delhi and Amit Tiwari was under close observation of both the agencies for over past few month. Readers will remember that FBI has launched major operation against hackers located globally. This operation netted a known hacker known as ‘Guccifer’ on Thursday. ‘Guccifer’ is famous or infamous, the way you look at it, for hacking into accounts renowned and powerful world leaders. Amongst Guccifer’s known exploits are alleged leaking of then Secretary of State, Colin Powell’s personal emails, an unreleased script of Downtown Abbey, and the paintings of George W Bush.
“It has been alleged that a number of internet websites advertised that the website operators could get access to e-mail account in exchange for a fee varying from $250 to $500. The customers desirous to get unauthorized access, submitted e-mail accounts to these websites. Upon receipt of the order, as well as the e-mail addresses, the website operators gained access to such e-mail accounts and sent a proof of such access to the customers. On receipt of payment from Customers these website operators shared the password with the customers,” said CBI Spokesperson Kanchan Prasad.
The only problem CBI faces is the lame Indian laws regarding hacking. CBI has booked Amit Tiwari and his unknown associates under criminal conspiracy, theft of information and Section 66 of Information Technology Act. Despite of accusing Amit Tiwari of all the above sections, he may escape with just 3 years imprisonment and a fine.
