Illinois Man Pleads Guilty to Snapchat Hacking Scheme Targeting Hundreds of Women
Table of Contents
A federal court in Boston saw an Illinois man admit guilt Wednesday in a widespread Snapchat hacking operation that compromised the privacy of nearly 600 women. The case highlights the growing threat of social engineering and the devastating consequences of online exploitation.
Kyle Svara, 26, pleaded guilty to charges including computer fraud and aggravated identity theft. The scheme involved phishing for login credentials and afterward stealing intimate photos, wich were then allegedly sold or traded online.
The Scope of the Cybercrime
Between May 2020 and February 2021, Svara employed deceptive tactics to obtain login data from 571 women using the social media platform operated by Snap. He masqueraded as Snapchat support, requesting security codes via direct messages – a technique known as social engineering. This allowed him to bypass the platform’s authentication protocols and gain unauthorized access to at least 59 accounts. Once inside, he downloaded nude or partially nude photos.
“He has taken full responsibility for his actions to his family and close friends, and today’s guilty plea was a great relief, as it finally allowed him to publicly take responsibility,” stated Todd Pugh, svara’s attorney.
Connection to Former Northeastern Coach
The inquiry into Svara originated from a separate case involving Steve Waithe, a former track coach at Northeastern University. Waithe was previously sentenced to five years in prison in 2024 for coercing young women into sharing nude photos or stealing such images.Prosecutors revealed that Waithe had hired Svara in 2020 to hack into the accounts of female athletes and individuals he had personal relationships with, paying him $50 per hack. Waithe’s scheme impacted at least 56 women nationwide.
Monetizing Exploitation
According to charging documents,Svara openly advertised his hacking services on platforms like Reddit,offering to breach snapchat accounts and provide illicit content “for you or for trade.” This demonstrates a clear intent to profit from the violation of privacy and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
Prosecutors have agreed to recommend a three-year prison sentence for Svara, which is scheduled to be handed down on May 18. This case serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive dangers of online exploitation and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures.
.
The conviction of Kyle Svara marks a significant step in holding perpetrators of online sexual exploitation accountable, but it also underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect individuals from these insidious crimes.
Why: Kyle Svara engaged in a widespread Snapchat hacking operation, motivated by financial gain and initially connected to the crimes of Steve Waithe.
Who: Kyle Svara, 26, of Illinois, pleaded guilty. Steve Waithe, a former Northeastern University track coach, was a key figure in initiating the hacking scheme. 571 women were targeted.
What: Svara hacked into Snapchat accounts using social engineering tactics, stealing intimate photos from 571 women. He then offered these photos for sale or trade online.
How did it end?: Svara pleaded guilty to computer fraud and aggravated identity theft. Prosecutors recommended a three-year prison sentence,scheduled for May 18. The case originated from an investigation into Waithe’s exploitation of women.
