Russian ‘Lisbeth Salander’ accused of ‘Zeus’ fraud

A young Russian woman is being compared to Lisbeth Salander - the protagonist in Stieg Larsson's Millennium books - after she appeared in court today accused of involvement in a hacking ring which aimed to defraud bank customers of hundreds millions of dollars.

Kristina Svechinskaya, 21, and her accomplices allegedly used the notorious 'Zeus' trojan virus to steal thousands of dollars from bank customers in the UK and America. She is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and the false use of a passport.

Her alleged story bears comparison to that of Salander from Larsson's Millenium trilogy who steals money online, hacking corrupt businessmen Hans-Erik Wennerstrom's bank account and taking billions of dollars.

Also like Salander, Svechinskaya allegedly used a variety of aliases. Anastasia Opokina and Svetlana Marakova were just two that she is accused of using to open a string of bank accounts which were then flooded with cash plundered from online bank customers.

She is reported to have moved to America to study, but is one of four Eastern European students in New York who have now been charged with being involved in the racket. In total, 37 people have been charged with the fraud.

Preet Bharara, a US Attorney in Manhattan, spoke of the changes modern technology has had on bank robbery: "The modern, hi-tech bank heist does not require a gun, a mask, a note, or a getaway car. It requires only the internet and ingenuity and can be accomplished in the blink of an eye, with just a click of the mouse."

The trojan Svechinskaya and the gang allegedly used, named 'Zeus', has been the scourge of internet users for well over three years now. Not only does it collect victims' login details, but it can also transfer money out of the compromised bank accounts - which it does if the balance is more than £800.

Whatever the outcome of her trial, Svechinskaya is fast on her way to becoming a celebrity in the United States. Dubbed the 'sexiest hacker in the world', media sources such as New York Magazine have already begun ruminating on whether she has what it takes to take Manhattan by storm.

If the popularity of Salander, or even recently deported Russian spy Anna Chapman, are any barometer of her chances, then we will be seeing a lot more of Kristina Svechinskaya very soon. ·