Hacker tried to blackmail teacher

AN INTERNATIONAL computer hacker who tried to blackmail a US school teacher has been sent to prison while the Kiwi courts figure out what to do with him.

Polish-born Thomasz Grygoruk, 22, hacked into the email of a Pennsylvania school teacher and threatened to go public with details of a relationship with a student.

Investigators later found that the relationship between the teacher and the pupil was OK.

However, Grygoruk was found guilty on five charges of blackmail, altering a document with intent to defraud, accessing a computer for dishonest purposes, and using a document for pecuniary purposes.

Justice Lynton Stevens said there were some aspects of the probation report that needed to be explored before sentencing. Grygoruk is in jail while more detailed reports were prepared, but it seems that Stevens wants to look at some form of home custody.

The Judge said the case had several unusual features, including Grygoruk's youth and his mental health background. He added that he needed "serious assurances" from Grygoruk's family that some of the conditions suggested as part of his sentence would be met.

Grygoruk tried to extort thousands of dollars from the American teacher. The US is considering applying for extradition to the United States for Grygoruk to face charges depending on the outcome of New Zealand case. µ

L'Inq
New Zealand Herald