Ohio Man Got Inside Computers, Stole Identities, Feds Say

NORTH ROYALTON, OH — The U.S. Department of Justice say they've charged a 28-year-old North Royalton man for installing malware on thousands of computers over more than a decade. The man allegedly used the malware to watch unknowing victims and gather both embarrassing and personal data. The man also allegedly created child pornography.

Phillip Durachinsky has been charged with computer fraud and abuse act violations, wiretap act violations, production of child pornography and aggravated identity theft.

“For more than 13 years, Phillip Durachinsky allegedly infected with malware the computers of thousands of Americans and stole their most personal data and communications,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan in a statement.

Starting in 2003, Durachinsky allegedly orchestrated a scheme to get access to thousands of protected computers owned by companies, schools, a police department, the government and individuals. One of the computers he targeted was owned by a subsidiary of the U.S. Department of Energy, the indictment says.

To get access to these devices, he allegedly developed a malware called "Fruitfly" that he installed on computers. Using Fruitfly he could control a computer, using it to access stored data, upload files, take and download screenshots, log a user's keystrokes and turn on the camera and microphone on a device to record images and audio, the indictment says.

Once he had access to the computer, Durachinsky allegedly used the malware to steal personal data from victims, including logo info, tax records, medical records, banking records, photographs and potentially embarrassing communications, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

The DOJ says Durachinsky may have also listened to and watched victims without them knowing it. In some cases, the malware alerted Durachinsky if a user typed words associated with pornography. The indictment says Durachinsky saved millions of images and kept "detailed notes" on what he saw.

“This defendant is alleged to have spent more than a decade spying on people across the country and accessing their personal information,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney David Sierleja.

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