Indictment confirmed against IT administrator: Demanded $5,000 in Bitcoin after attacking company system

(Patria) - The Municipal Court in Sarajevo confirmed the indictment of the KS Prosecutor's Office against Eldin Hodžić for the criminal offenses of damaging computer data and programs and obstructing the operation of electronic systems and networks for data processing.

The accused is charged with, from February to May 2021, while employed as a "system and network administrator" within the IT directorate of "AS Holding" Tešanj, accessing parts of the information system for which he was not authorized, without the approval of his superiors.

"Using his professional knowledge, he installed programs for unauthorized access and data misuse, after which he carried out attacks on the company's information and communication infrastructure from his work computer, causing delays and disruptions in the operation of the network, communication, and business processes," the statement said.

After that, he unauthorizedly accessed the user account and data of one of the company's managers, obtaining access to backup copies and computer content.

"The accused then, using fake email messages and multiple pseudonyms, sent messages demanding a payment of 5,000 US dollars in Bitcoin currency. With the intention of obtaining unlawful property gain, the accused is charged with obstructing the operation and use of the damaged company's information and communication system. For the main trial, the acting prosecutor proposed to the court the hearing of four witnesses, two experts in computer systems and information technologies, and the presentation of more than 80 material evidence," the statement added.