Ethical Hacking News
A Romanian national has pleaded guilty to selling unauthorized access to an Oregon state emergency management network for $3,000 in Bitcoin. The incident occurred in June 2021 and led to significant financial losses of over $250,000. Dragomir faces up to five years in prison, with sentencing set for May 26, 2026.
Romanian hacker Catalin Dragomir was sentenced to up to 5 years in prison for selling unauthorized access to a US government network. He sold access to the computer system of an Oregon state emergency management office for $3,000 in Bitcoin. Dragomir also sold access to many other US victims, causing financial losses exceeding $250,000. He pleaded guilty to obtaining information from a protected computer and aggravated identity theft. The case highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and protecting personal data from cybercriminals. The incident underscores the evolving nature of cyber threats and the need for law enforcement to stay ahead of emerging risks.
Romanian hacker Catalin Dragomir has been sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison for selling unauthorized access to the network of an Oregon state government office. The incident, which took place in June 2021, marked the beginning of a series of events that would lead to significant financial losses and compromise the security of numerous US victims.
According to court documents, Dragomir gained access to the computer system on the network of the Oregon state emergency management office after obtaining unauthorized access to it. He then proceeded to sell this access to a prospective buyer for $3,000 in Bitcoin, providing them with samples of personal identifying information from the computer as part of the transaction. The buyer was reportedly able to repeatedly access the system to demonstrate their control over it.
However, Dragomir's actions were not limited to just one instance of unauthorized access. He also sold access to the computer networks of many other US victims, causing significant financial losses in excess of $250,000. This malicious behavior is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise when individuals with malicious intentions gain access to sensitive information and systems.
The arrest of Dragomir was a result of an investigation by law enforcement agencies, which led to his extradition from Romania to the United States in January 2025. Following his arrest, Dragomir pleaded guilty to obtaining information from a protected computer and aggravated identity theft. Sentencing is set for May 26, 2026, with a maximum of five years for the first count and a mandatory two-year consecutive term for identity theft.
This case serves as a cautionary tale for individuals who engage in illicit activities online, such as selling unauthorized access to sensitive information systems. The consequences of such actions can be severe, including lengthy prison sentences and significant financial losses. It also highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and the need for individuals to take steps to protect their personal data from falling into the wrong hands.
Moreover, this incident underscores the evolving nature of cyber threats and the importance of staying vigilant in the face of emerging risks. The use of cryptocurrency and other digital payment methods has become increasingly common among cybercriminals, making it essential for law enforcement agencies to stay ahead of these trends and develop effective strategies to combat them.
In conclusion, the case of Romanian hacker Catalin Dragomir serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise when individuals engage in malicious activities online. His actions have had significant financial losses and compromised the security of numerous US victims. As we move forward in this increasingly digital landscape, it is essential to remain vigilant and take steps to protect our personal data from falling into the wrong hands.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Romanian-Hackers-Descent-into-Digital-Deception-A-Case-Study-of-Unauthorised-Access-to-Oregon-State-Networks-ehn.shtml
https://securityaffairs.com/188380/cyber-crime/romanian-hacker-pleads-guilty-to-selling-access-to-oregon-state-networks.html
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/romanian-national-pleads-guilty-selling-access-networks-oregon-state-government-office-and
Published: Mon Feb 23 13:15:04 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
