Bari prosecutors close probe into two former teen hackers accused of identity theft

Investigation closes in Bari

Bari's juvenile prosecutor's office has served a notice of conclusion of investigations on two young men who were 15 at the time of the alleged offences and are now adults. The notice was served in the days before 15 November, according to the Bari edition of La Repubblica, which first reported the step. The inquiry was carried out by the Postal Police. Both men remain under investigation, and the notice closes the investigative phase while opening the way to further judicial steps. The reports give no date for any hearing.

Alleged charges

Investigators allege the pair took the digital identities of several people, along with their sensitive data, credit card PINs, usernames and passwords. The listed allegations cover unauthorised access to a computer system, unlawful possession and dissemination of access codes, dissemination of tools to damage computer systems, and unlawful interception of electronic communications. Other counts reported are identity substitution, computer fraud and handling stolen goods. None of these allegations has been tested in court, and no verdict is reported.

Seized devices and recovered material

Police seized the devices belonging to both suspects. According to La Repubblica, software on those devices could retrieve confidential digital information, including Facebook accounts, phone numbers and email addresses. Investigators also found credit card numbers together with their security codes. Among the recovered files were manuals on how to clone payment cards and on how to register on a Ministry of Justice portal using the name of a real carabiniere. The seized material forms the core of the evidence the prosecutors have reviewed.

Tutorials and the justice ministry portal

The suspects are alleged to have gone beyond their own intrusions and taught others to do the same, sharing advice and video tutorials online. One video reportedly showed in detail how to use the profile of a law enforcement officer to get into the ministry's 'notizie di reato' portal. Investigators say that access route exploited the identity of a carabiniere who really exists. The reports describe the video as a guide for other users, not as proof that anyone actually entered the portal.

Explosives instructions found among the files

Among the material recovered from the devices were highly detailed tutorials on preparing homemade explosive devices. The reports do not say that either suspect built any device, and they do not say that anyone used the instructions. The reports list no explosives-related charge among the allegations. The discovery nonetheless drew concern from investigators, according to the coverage of the inquiry.

What happens next

The notice of conclusion of investigations marks the end of the investigative stage for the two men. Under the Italian process it is the step that precedes a decision on whether the case goes to trial. The reports do not say when that decision is expected. Since both suspects are now adults, the case will continue before the court system the prosecutors have described, with the Postal Police file as its base.