We are familiar with cyber criminals being anonymous, and going unpunished for their crimes. However justice was served cold this time, as Colton Grubbs, a 21 year old Stanford man was sentenced to 30 months in prison. This sentence was delivered on grounds of Colton’s crimes with respect to computer-related money laundering and illegal removal of property in order to prevent seizure.
Colton pleaded guilty to authoring a powerful Remote Access Trojan (RAT), called LuminosityLink. He also marketed and sold the software, which was meant to aid customers in remotely accessing and controlling computers of their victims without them being aware. The features of LuminosityLink had permitted it to give those controlling the RAT the ability to use the software as a keylogger, effectively recording keys pressed by the victim. In addition, LuminosityLink could perform surveillance using the computer camera and microphone, view and download computer files as well as steal names and passwords. Colton Grubbs admittedly sold his software for $39.99 to over 6000 customer in the US.
“Our modern society is dependent on computers, mobile devices, and the use of the internet,” were the words of Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “People simply have to have confidence in their ability to use these modern instruments to transact their business, privately communicate, and securely maintain their information. It is essential that we vigorously prosecute those who erode that confidence and illicitly gain access to computer systems and the electronic information of others. Everyone benefits when this deceitful conduct is discovered, investigated, and prosecuted.”
Michael A. Christman, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Division added, “The FBI is committed to strengthening these relationships and finding innovative ways to counter cybercrime. Cybercrime is worldwide epidemic, and this case is an example how strong partnerships can hold criminals accountable no matter where they are.”
As required by law, it is mandatory for Colton Grubbs to serve 85% of his prison sentence. Upon his release, when that eventually happens, he will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for 3 years. Apart from being held behind bars, he is also required to forfeit about $725,000 worth of bitcoin which was confiscated by the FBI.