Cryptocurrency Seized: 22-Year-Old Pleads Guilty to Stealing $630K in mPerks Data

Cryptocurrency Seizure: 22-Year-Old Pleads Guilty to Stealing $630K in mPerks Data

A 22-year-old Grand Haven man has pleaded guilty to selling stolen mPerks account access information on the dark web and will forfeit $630,000 in cryptocurrency and cash, as well as his computer tower.

Nicholas Mui pleaded guilty to conducting a criminal enterprise in the Kent County Circuit Court on Monday. The crime compromised thousands of Meijer customers, forcing the retailer to reimburse them over $1 million.

The investigation, led by Meijer investigators, Michigan State Police and the Attorney General's FORCE team, revealed that Mui acquired mPerks account information from the dark web and sold it to others who used the points for Meijer purchases.

Mui is expected to be sentenced on Sept. 5. As part of his plea agreement, charges of using a computer to commit a crime and seven counts of identity theft were dropped.

How the Crime Worked:

Mui allegedly used a software to analyze stolen data from a separate breach (like the 2018 MyFitnessPal breach which affected 150 million accounts) and cross-checked that login information against other accounts, including mPerks. He then advertised the stolen login information and points on encrypted chats and foreign online markets.

Key Takeaways:

• The case highlights the risks of data breaches and the use of cryptocurrency for criminal activities.
• It also underscores the importance of strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to protect online accounts.
• Law enforcement agencies are increasingly cracking down on dark web activities and using sophisticated tools to track down criminals.

Next Steps:

Mui's sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 5. It remains to be seen what the ultimate consequences will be for him. However, this case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of cybercrime.