Cameron John Wagenius, a 20-year-old U.S. Army soldier, has been arrested for allegedly operating as the cybercriminal “Kiberphant0m,” responsible for hacking and selling sensitive data from telecommunications companies like AT&T and Verizon. Indicted on December 20 near Fort Hood, Texas, Wagenius faces charges of unlawfully transferring confidential phone records.
Authorities linked Wagenius to cybercriminal activities after following trails left on hacker forums, where Kiberphant0m claimed responsibility for numerous breaches and posted stolen data. This arrest follows a broader investigation into a network of cybercriminals, including Connor Riley Moucka, a Canadian hacker arrested in October.
The indictment itself is sparse, but Wagenius’ mother, Alicia Roen, shed light on his background. She revealed that her son, a communications specialist recently stationed in South Korea, had admitted to associating with Moucka, also known as “Judische,” who orchestrated large-scale data thefts and outsourced sales to others, including Kiberphant0m. Roen expressed disbelief at her son’s alleged involvement in hacking, recounting his long-standing passion for computers and dedication to the military, which he joined at 18.
Army Soldier Charged as Hacker “Kiberphant0m” in Major Telecom Data Breach Investigation
Kiberphant0m’s activities were brazen, involving threats to release sensitive call logs of government officials, including President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. The hacker also engaged in SIM-swapping schemes and posted a purported NSA data schema online. These actions, combined with posts advertising stolen data and services, attracted the attention of law enforcement and cybersecurity researchers. The connection between Wagenius and Kiberphant0m was confirmed through his social media presence and online behavior.
The case illustrates the rapid advancements in cybercrime investigations. Allison Nixon, a cybersecurity expert who helped uncover Kiberphant0m’s identity, highlighted the swift turnaround from discovery to arrest, marking a milestone in law enforcement’s ability to tackle cybercrime. She noted that Wagenius’ case serves as a warning to other young individuals involved in illegal hacking, emphasizing the increasing risks and the likelihood of facing prosecution.
Currently, the case has been transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. Nixon urged others involved in cybercrime to reconsider their actions and seek legal advice, underscoring the harsh consequences of such activities. Wagenius’ story serves as both a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of cybercrime and a testament to the growing effectiveness of federal authorities in combating digital threats.
