An Algerian computer hacker is now behind bars, accused of creating worldwide financial havoc from a virtual internet server here in Atlanta.
Prosecutors say 24-year old Hamza Bendelladj customized a computer virus called "SpyEye" to steal from more than 250 financial institutions around the world.
"This is a guy who was fairly active on a couple of pretty popular underground forums," said Washington Post Reporter Brian Krebs, an internet security expert who also writes a blog called Krebs on Security. He said he he even chatted with the hacker known as BX-1, who made no secret of his hacking activities.
"He thought that was fun and was evidently very proud of himself," Krebs told WSB's Pete Combs.
But was Bendelladj a cybercrime kingpin? Krebs said he doubts that, suggesting anyone making millions of dollars by customizing viruses like Spyeye would not likely draw attention to himself by bragging about it.
Other computer security experts said Benmmdelladj was a close associate of SpyEye's creator, a mysterious hacker known online as "Gribodemon." The 23-count federal indictment against Bendelladj also named another suspect, although that name was redacted by prosecutors who said they would not release more information until the second suspect was in custody.