Vladimir Zdorovenin was recently extradited to the United States on multiple charges after spreading malware and perpetrating various scams with a co-conspirator, his son, who is still at large. The two have been accused of computer fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, securities fraud, conspiracy and aggravated identity theft. Although the U.S. indictment dates back to 2007 the record was only recently unsealed upon the extradition of the Vladimir Zdorovenin from Sweden to the United States.
The fraudster duo obtained credit card numbers through both spreading malware and purchasing stolen card details from other fraudsters on the black market. The Zdorovenins setup shell web businesses to process payments directly from the stolen credit cards then transferred the funds to bank accounts they controlled in Russia and Latvia. The two also used malware to obtain login credentials and takeover online banking and investment accounts. The two made fraudulent transfers from victims’ bank accounts to their own, but also abused consumer investment accounts. Once taking over a brokerage account the Zdorovenins bought and sold equities in attempts to manipulate stock prices while holding said stocks in their own equity accounts to profit from the price manipulation.
Vladimir Zdorovenin was arrested in Sweden in March, 2011 and extradited to the U.S. in January, 2012. He pleaded not guilty to all charges in court, but still faces up to 142 years if convicted. Meanwhile Russia has criticized the extradition with a Russian ministry spokesman claiming “improper exterritorial application of U.S. legislation against Russian citizens.”
For More Information: Russian Father and Son Face Fraud Charges in US
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