Bank computer tech steals US$1 million
(30 October 2009 – USA) A Bank of New York Mellon computer technician has been charged with stealing the identities of more than 150 former colleagues and using the information to pilfer over US$1.1 million from charities, non-profit groups and other institutions.
During his employment, he stole the personal information of employees, mainly in the IT department where he worked, and is accused of using the details to open over 30 bank and brokerage accounts in their identities.
Mr Adeyemi used the accounts to deposit stolen funds from the bank accounts of charities and non-profit organisations, and then would often transfer the funds to a second layer of dummy accounts.
The charities were wide open to the theft as they often posted their bank account details online for the purpose of depositing donations, but this made them easy prey for identity thieves.
Mr Adeyemi is also accused of stealing from the employees directly.
It is legislation to notify the US treasury when transactions over US$10,000 occur, so Mr Adeyemi kept the transactions to below this amount to avoid detection.
The New York/New Jersey Electronic Crimes Task Force of the United States Secret Service began surveillance on Adeyemi after tracing suspicious Internet activity at his apartment.
In April, Mr Adeyemi’s apartment was searched revealing Bank of New York employees’ credit reports, along with the personal details of the more than 150 staff.
He also had in his possession credit cards with employees’ names on them.
In a 149-count indictment, Adeyemi has been charged with grand larceny, identity theft, money laundering, scheme to defraud, computer tampering, and unlawful possession of personal identification information.
Mr Adeyemi used the accounts to deposit stolen funds from the bank accounts of charities and non-profit organisations, and then would often transfer the funds to a second layer of dummy accounts.
The charities were wide open to the theft as they often posted their bank account details online for the purpose of depositing donations, but this made them easy prey for identity thieves.
Mr Adeyemi is also accused of stealing from the employees directly.
It is legislation to notify the US treasury when transactions over US$10,000 occur, so Mr Adeyemi kept the transactions to below this amount to avoid detection.
The New York/New Jersey Electronic Crimes Task Force of the United States Secret Service began surveillance on Adeyemi after tracing suspicious Internet activity at his apartment.
In April, Mr Adeyemi’s apartment was searched revealing Bank of New York employees’ credit reports, along with the personal details of the more than 150 staff.
He also had in his possession credit cards with employees’ names on them.
In a 149-count indictment, Adeyemi has been charged with grand larceny, identity theft, money laundering, scheme to defraud, computer tampering, and unlawful possession of personal identification information.
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