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Illinois Man Pleads Guilty to Snapchat Phishing That Targeted Hundreds of Women

Prosecutors will recommend a three-year prison term, with sentencing set for May 18.

Overview

  • Kyle Svara pleaded guilty in Boston federal court to aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, computer fraud, conspiracy to commit computer fraud, and making false statements related to child pornography.
  • Prosecutors say he posed as Snapchat support between May 2020 and February 2021, texting more than 4,500 women to obtain access codes.
  • Roughly 570 women provided codes, enabling unauthorized access to at least 59 accounts from which nude or semi-nude photos were downloaded.
  • Charging documents state he advertised on Reddit and other forums, sold or traded stolen images, and took hacking jobs including work for former Northeastern coach Steve Waithe.
  • Prosecutors plan to seek a three-year sentence on May 18 and also allege he collected, distributed, and solicited child sexual abuse material despite his prior denials to investigators.