UK Hacker Who Targeted Musk and Obama Ordered to Repay Millions
In a groundbreaking legal case, Joseph James O’Connor, a British man convicted of orchestrating a Bitcoin scam by hacking high-profile celebrities and brand accounts, has been ordered to repay over $5 million worth of stolen cryptocurrency.
The case dates back to 2020, when O’Connor used a sophisticated SIM-swapping attack to hijack Twitter accounts belonging to figures such as former U.S. President Barack Obama and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The fraudulent scheme encouraged unsuspecting followers to send their Bitcoin with promises of returns, leading to the theft of approximately 42 Bitcoin, 235 Ethereum, and stablecoins worth $794,000 at the time.
From $794,000 to $5.4 Million: The Growing Value of Cryptocurrency
At the time of the theft, the crypto assets were valued at $794,000. However, as the value of cryptocurrencies has surged over recent years, the stolen assets now hold an estimated worth of $5.4 million. Following his 2023 guilty plea and a five-year prison sentence in New York, O’Connor is now required to pay back the tremendous value of these assets as part of a civil recovery order.
Prosecutors are keen to ensure that no criminal can reap the benefits of illegal activity. Adrian Foster, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Proceeds of Crime Division, stated, “We were able to use the full force of the powers available to ensure criminals do not profit from their illicit actions, even when overseas convictions occur.” The U.K.’s Crown Prosecution Service has showcased its commitment to holding criminals accountable.
The Rising Threat of Social Media Crypto Scams
Crypto scams involving hijacked social media accounts have become alarmingly common. O’Connor’s strategy involved convincing users to send Bitcoin with a promise of doubling their earnings. Scams like this are part of a larger wave of cybercrimes targeting personal wallets and cryptocurrency users, with a mid-2025 report by Chainalysis revealing over $2.1 billion stolen through such activities this year alone.
High-profile account takeovers have extended beyond individuals to include global corporations. For example, hackers promoting fake meme coins like a fabricated “UFC Token” on Solana generated $1.4 million recently. Brands like McDonald’s and other major companies have also been victims of pump-and-dump scams floated on hacked social media accounts.
Create a Safer Online Experience
With crypto scams becoming more prevalent, protecting your online identity and digital assets is crucial. Tools like Norton LifeLock offer robust cybersecurity solutions to safeguard personal and financial information.
Staying vigilant, enabling multi-factor authentication, and using trusted devices when accessing sensitive accounts can significantly reduce your exposure to these kinds of digital threats.
