Man charged with serious fraud and money laundering in Troms, Norway

A man from Troms has been charged with serious fraud and extensive money laundering. The case was brought to the attention of Norway’s National Criminal Investigation Service (Kripos) by the FBI. Authorities claim he has received at least 6.5 million Norwegian kroner (approximately $630,000) in cryptocurrency and other online payment methods, although the total defrauded amount on Amazon could be as high as 10 million kroner.

The individual, in his 30s, gained unauthorized access to American user accounts on the online retail giant by obtaining login credentials. He reportedly acquired this access by purchasing information from online marketplaces and using software designed to steal such data. With these credentials, he logged into Amazon accounts and manipulated customer service into processing refunds for purchases he never made. He then used the resulting credit to buy digital codes, which he subsequently sold.

The man’s activities have persisted for at least eight years until his arrest last year, which was facilitated by the FBI’s seizure of a website where he had previously purchased access details. He is also facing charges of data breaches and possession of access information. The most significant charges are for serious fraud and severe money laundering, each carrying a potential prison sentence of six years. The man has acknowledged the charges against him, with the case set to be processed through a simplified confession procedure at the Nord-Troms and Senja District Court next month.