Wagenius, stationed in South Korea, was apprehended on December 20, 2023, for allegedly selling hacked data from U.S. telecom companies. According to cybersecurity experts, he may also be the individual behind the alias “kiberphant0m” on a dark web marketplace. In May 2023, “kiberphant0m” reportedly attempted to sell 278 GB of BSNL’s critical data, including subscriber details, SIM numbers, and server snapshots, for $5,000.
Indian authorities confirmed that one of BSNL’s servers was breached in May 2023.
While the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) reported the intrusion, the identity of the perpetrator remained elusive until Wagenius’s arrest. Efforts to verify the hacker’s access to BSNL servers through Telegram communication and sample data proved inconclusive.
The breach exposes vulnerabilities in telecom providers’ security measures, as sensitive data such as health records, payment details, and government-issued identification was targeted.
Additionally, Wagenius is accused of selling call records of prominent U.S. political figures and data from telecom providers across Asia.
The arrest also sheds light on Wagenius’s links to a broader criminal network led by Connor Riley Moucka. Moucka and his associates reportedly breached multiple organizations, extorting millions of dollars and selling stolen data. Wagenius’s involvement with this network underscores the organized nature of cybercrime operations targeting telecom infrastructure.
Cybersecurity researchers, including Allison Nixon of Unit 221B, identified Wagenius as the individual behind illicit sales of BSNL data. However, she clarified that these activities differ from state-sponsored cyberattacks by groups such as Salt Typhoon, a Chinese-linked advanced persistent threat actor known for targeting major U.S. telecom providers.
The case has also exposed challenges in prosecuting international cybercriminals. Indian authorities have yet to file a First Information Report (FIR) or engage with U.S. counterparts on Wagenius’s case, limiting legal recourse.
Experts suggest leveraging international treaties and cross-border collaboration to address such incidents.
As the investigation unfolds, the breach serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by insider actions and sophisticated cybercriminal networks. It underscores the urgent need for robust data protection measures and international cooperation to counter cybercrime.
