The New Jersey District Attorney's Office has charged Ta Van Tai (aka Quynh Hoa, Bich Thuy), Nguyen Viet Quoc (aka Tien Nguyen), Nguyen Trang Xuyen, and Nguyen Van Truong (aka Chung Nguyen) for their involvement in a series of cyber intrusions. These individuals are alleged members of an international cybercrime group known as "FIN9".

From May 2018 to October 2021, the accused reportedly hacked into the computer networks of companies across the United States, stealing non-public information and causing over $71 million in damages to organizations and individuals.

US Attorney Philip R. Seller described FIN9 as a professional group of international hackers using phishing campaigns, supply chain attacks, and other methods to steal millions of dollars while hiding behind keyboards, VPNs, and fake identities.

FBI Special Agent James E. Dennehy highlighted that the cyber task force and its partners employed precise and creative techniques to identify and expose the criminals. He urged businesses facing similar attacks to seek assistance from the FBI.

Case documents reveal that FIN9 members gained unauthorized access to computer networks through phishing campaigns and other hacking methods. Once inside, they accessed employee rewards and benefits programs, redirecting benefits such as gift cards to accounts under their control. They also stole gift card information stored on the victims’ computer networks.

Furthermore, the group stole personal identification and credit card information from employees and customers of the victim companies. To conceal their identities, they used this information to register accounts at cryptocurrency exchanges or server hosting companies under the names of the individuals whose identities were stolen.

Tai, Xuyen, and Truong sold the stolen gift cards to third parties, using accounts registered under false names to disguise the source of the stolen funds.

The four accused individuals face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, extortion, and intentional damage to protected computer systems. If convicted, they could face several years in prison.

Trong Dat