An Australian Government employee will face court today over his role in allegedly modifying his agency's computer systems to mine crypto currency for personal gain.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) will allege a 33-year-old Killara (NSW) man abused his position as an IT contractor to manipulate programs to use the processing power of the agency's computer network for crypto currency mining.
The profits from the alleged mining operation are estimated to be worth more than $9000.
AFP officers conducted a search of the man's Sydney home on Tuesday, 5 March 2018, and seized a personal laptop, personal phone, employee ID cards and data files.
The man is scheduled to appear in Sydney Local Court (Downing Centre) today (21 May 2019) in response to the following charges:
- Unauthorised modification of data to cause impairment, contrary to section 477.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth)
- Unauthorised modification of restricted data, contrary to section 478.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
Acting Commander Chris Goldsmid, Manager Cybercrime Operations, said alleged abuse of public office is a very serious matter.
"Australian taxpayers put their trust in public officials to perform vital roles for our community with the utmost integrity. Any alleged criminal conduct which betrays this trust for personal gain will be investigated and prosecuted," he said.
The charges preferred in this matter carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and two years imprisonment, respectively.
