Throughout the legal careers of aggressive Michigan criminal defense lawyers, it is likely to represent several people accused of criminal charges. As the Internet connects people from all across the world, it is becoming more common for people to be suspected of crimes as the collaborate with others online, ultimately sending investigators across the globe searching for answers. In a recent case, five West Michigan men are being held on several criminal charges after investigators discovered that they collaborate with an international crime ring.
Routine Stop Leads to Investigation into Computer Crimes
Last October, law enforcement officials arrested five West Michigan men during a routine traffic stop for Michigan theft charges and Michigan drug charges, after discovering marijuana and stolen credit cards inside the vehicle. However, after months of investigation, the men have also been accused of Michigan computer crime charges, as police learned about their involvement in an international crime ring operating on the Internet. According to reports, the Internet crime operation stole people’s identity by purchasing credit card numbers from a contact in Eastern Europe or Russia. In Kent County, the suspects allegedly purchased nearly $13,000 worth of gift cards at Meijer stores with the stolen numbers.
Russia and the former Soviet Union is historically characterized by this type of criminal activity. Hackers break into the systems of online merchants and steal credit card numbers before selling them back to Americans, such as the West Michigan men in custody. Despite this, many computer charges and Internet charges have been hard to prove, as it is difficult to trace all the activity made by one person, as the location may be constantly changing.
Being accused of computer charge is a difficult and scary experience for anyone to go through. Conviction of Michigan criminal charges can have serious life-altering and permanent consequences. This includes the loss of driving privileges, probation, fines, and/or jail time. To prevent your personal freedoms and liberties from being taken away, it is essential to contact hard-working and experienced criminal defense attorneys in Michigan for assistance. Doing so immediately can not only ensure the best legal advice and legal representation, but also help receive the most positive outcome for your case.