Binghamton Connection to Darkode Hackers

A dozen people are accused of selling other people’s personal information gleaned from Facebook accounts and there is a Southern Tier connection.

The scheme is getting national and international attention and a 39 year old Binghamton man is being cited as a key player.

Eric Crocker used the internet name “Phastman”, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office, when he created his botnet that could be used to send bulk spam to the infected account.

Investigators allege Crocker was part of an international online organization known as “Darkode.”

Individuals could only join Darkode after being recommended by an existing member.

The hackers sold malware or solicited others to install it and operated in the United States as well 19 other countries.

The federal investigator’s Operation Shrouded Horizon probed the organization and officials say dozens of suspects are subject to searches prior to possible charges.