FBI Investigates Individual Connected to SEC Account Hack

Searches for FBI Investigation Signs

Interrogation of Suspect for Hacker Activity

An individual arrested in relation to the breach of the US markets regulator’s account conducted searches such as “how can I know if I am being investigated by the FBI,” as per legal documents.

Allegations of Social Media SEC Hack Involvement

Impact of Fake Bitcoin Post

The accused, Eric Council Jr, is implicated in a group that compromised the Securities and Exchange Commission’s social media platform to post false information about Bitcoin, causing a surge in its value.

Approval of Bitcoin for Mainstream Investments

Despite the confusion, the SEC later authorized Bitcoin for conventional investment through spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds.

Online Aliases and Suspicious Searches

Identities and Investigations

Court documents suggest the individual also went by online aliases and conducted searches related to the SEC hack and Telegram sim swap.

Searches for Identity Theft and Deletion Timeframes

Further searches included keywords like “federal identity theft statute” and “how long does it take to delete Telegram account,” indicating potential involvement in fraudulent activities.

Sim Swap Attack on SEC Account

Compromise through Fraudulent Means

The SEC admitted its account was breached through a Sim swap attack, involving fraudulent obtaining of an SEC employee’s mobile number through a fake ID, leading to unauthorized access to the account.

Reactivation of Multi-Factor Authentication

After suspending multi-factor authentication at a staff member’s request in 2023, the SEC reinstated the measure post-hack to enhance security.

Charged with conspiracy to commit identity theft and fraud, Eric Council Jr faces potential imprisonment if convicted.