Sim Swapping Prosecutions
1. Joel Ortiz – United States, 2020
Summary:
Joel Ortiz, a U.S. resident, used SIM swapping to gain control of victims’ mobile phone numbers, stealing cryptocurrency worth over $2 million.
Prosecution:
Ortiz was charged with wire fraud, unauthorized access to a protected computer, and aggravated identity theft.
Federal authorities traced multiple victims’ accounts being drained of Bitcoin and Ethereum after he hijacked their phone numbers.
Outcome:
Ortiz was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
Ordered to pay restitution to victims totaling over $2 million.
Relevance:
Demonstrates that SIM swapping is increasingly used to target cryptocurrency holdings.
2. Nicholas Truglia – United States, 2019
Summary:
Nicholas Truglia, a teenager, led a gang responsible for SIM swap attacks to steal millions in cryptocurrency. Victims included high-profile individuals and tech entrepreneurs.
Prosecution:
Truglia and accomplices were charged with wire fraud, conspiracy, and identity theft.
The gang used insider access at mobile service providers to execute SIM swaps and drain accounts.
Outcome:
Truglia pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Other accomplices received sentences ranging from 2–8 years.
Relevance:
Highlights the involvement of organized gangs and insider collusion in SIM swapping.
3. David Puleo – United States, 2021
Summary:
David Puleo executed SIM swap attacks targeting financial accounts, draining victims of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Prosecution:
Charged with wire fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
Investigators documented multiple victims over a 12-month period.
Outcome:
Convicted and sentenced to 8 years in federal prison.
Restitution ordered for all financial losses suffered by victims.
Relevance:
Shows how SIM swapping can escalate from minor fraud to large-scale financial theft.
4. Eric Butler – United States, 2022
Summary:
Eric Butler targeted celebrities and cryptocurrency investors through SIM swapping, stealing crypto assets and sensitive personal information.
Prosecution:
Charged with wire fraud, identity theft, and unauthorized access to computers.
The case involved cooperation from multiple telecom companies to trace phone number hijacking.
Outcome:
Butler was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Ordered to forfeit all proceeds from the scheme.
Relevance:
Demonstrates targeting of high-net-worth victims and the complexity of telecom fraud investigations.
5. Austin Thompson – United States, 2020
Summary:
Austin Thompson and his accomplices conducted SIM swaps against cryptocurrency investors and drained wallets worth millions.
Prosecution:
Charged with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
The investigation revealed the use of insider access at mobile providers to bypass security.
Outcome:
Thompson received a 12-year prison sentence.
Co-conspirators received sentences between 5–9 years.
Relevance:
Highlights the coordination between SIM swap perpetrators and corrupt telecom employees.
6. UK SIM Swapping Ring – United Kingdom, 2018
Summary:
A UK-based group hijacked mobile numbers to access bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets of high-net-worth individuals.
Prosecution:
Individuals were charged under the Fraud Act 2006, the Computer Misuse Act 1990, and money laundering laws.
Investigation uncovered sophisticated methods including phishing, social engineering, and telecom insider assistance.
Outcome:
Sentences ranged from 3–7 years in prison.
Funds recovered and returned to victims where possible.
Relevance:
Shows SIM swapping is a global problem and not confined to the U.S.
7. Thomas Robertson – United States, 2021
Summary:
Thomas Robertson used SIM swaps to steal over $1.5 million in cryptocurrency from individual investors.
Prosecution:
Federal authorities charged him with wire fraud, identity theft, and computer intrusion.
Case involved cooperation between the FBI, SEC, and telecom providers.
Outcome:
Robertson sentenced to 9 years in federal prison.
Required to pay restitution to victims.
Relevance:
Highlights law enforcement’s focus on crypto-related SIM swap crimes.
Key Legal Principles in SIM Swapping Cases
Applicable U.S. Laws:
Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343): Using electronic communications to defraud victims.
Identity Theft (18 U.S.C. § 1028A): Stealing personal information for financial gain.
Computer Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1030): Unauthorized access to digital systems, including financial accounts.
Common Modus Operandi:
Social engineering to obtain SIM activation from telecom providers.
Exploiting insider access at telecom companies.
Draining bank accounts, cryptocurrency wallets, and online investment accounts.
Consequences:
Prison sentences typically range from 8–12 years for large-scale operations.
Financial restitution is mandatory for victims’ losses.
Forfeiture of digital assets and other proceeds of crime.
Trends:
High-net-worth individuals and cryptocurrency holders are primary targets.
Cases often involve coordinated gangs or insider collusion.
International cooperation is increasingly used for cross-border SIM swap schemes.
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