Dark Web Market Admin Gets 42 Months Prison for Selling Login Passwords

Sandu Boris Diaconu, a 31-year-old Moldovan national, has been sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for his role in operating a notorious dark web marketplace known as E-Root.

The sentencing was carried out by U.S. Senior District Judge James Moody, Jr. in Tampa, Florida, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against the illicit trade of compromised computer credentials on the dark web.

Diaconu’s guilty plea on December 1, 2023, came after charges of conspiracy to commit access device and computer fraud, along with possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices.

His involvement in the E-Root Marketplace, a platform that facilitated the sale of access to compromised computers worldwide, including servers belonging to companies and individuals in the United States, has drawn significant attention from law enforcement agencies.

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The E-Root Marketplace, under Diaconu’s administration, operated across a widely distributed network, employing measures to conceal the identities of its administrators, buyers, and sellers.

Compromised Computer Credentials

This marketplace allowed buyers to search for compromised computer credentials, such as Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and Secure Shell (SSH) access, based on various criteria, including price, geographic location, internet service provider, and operating system.

The operation of E-Root and its subsequent takedown is a testament to the collaborative efforts of international law enforcement agencies. Diaconu’s extradition from the United Kingdom in May 2021, following his arrest while attempting to leave the country, underscores the global reach and commitment to dismantling cybercriminal networks.

According to court documents, the E-Root Marketplace was instrumental in the sale of more than 350,000 compromised computer credentials, affecting victims across the globe and spanning all industries.

The marketplace’s operations have been linked to ransomware attacks and stolen identity tax fraud schemes, highlighting the extensive damage and risk posed by such illicit online platforms.

The sentencing of Diaconu is a clear message to cybercriminals about the serious consequences of engaging in the illicit sale of compromised computer credentials.

The U.S. Department of Justice, along with international partners, remains steadfast in its pursuit to disrupt and dismantle dark web marketplaces that threaten the security and privacy of individuals and businesses worldwide.

This case also emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity vigilance and the need for individuals and organizations to protect their digital assets against unauthorized access and exploitation.

As cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics, the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and cybersecurity professionals are crucial in safeguarding against the pervasive threat of cybercrime.

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