Arrests in $400M SIM-Swap Tied to Heist at FTX? – Krebs on Security
Comment
Given my paranoia, it’s hard to imagine people protecting their crypto accounts with SIM 2FA. Hardware keys are cheap comparing to the assets you are trying to protect?
Summary
Three Americans have been charged with the theft of over $400 million in a SIM-swapping attack in November 2022, which likely targeted the now-defunct cryptocurrency exchange FTX. The indictment reveals Robert Powell as the alleged ringleader of the “Powell SIM Swapping Crew,” with Emily Hernandez and Carter Rohn implicated as accomplices. During the attack, the perpetrators transferred a victim’s phone number to their device, intercepting authentication messages and resetting passwords. The stolen funds were traced to Russian-linked criminal groups. The defendants await further legal proceedings, while the investigation involves entities like the FBI and Kroll, a consulting firm handling FTX’s bankruptcy claims.
