Calls for Extradition of Russian Data Thieves
WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)–February 7, 2014. In light of recent data breeches at major U.S. retailers, U.S. Senators Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Mike Crapo (R–Idaho), and Mike Johanns (R–Neb.) sent the following letter to President Obama today to request discussion of extradition agreements with Russia for international data theft:
February 7, 2014
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear President Obama:
The recent data security breaches at United States retailers have compromised the identity and financial information of not less than 100 million Americans.
At the February 3, 2014 Senate Banking Committee hearing Mr. William Noonan, U.S. Secret Service Deputy Agent in Charge of the Criminal Investigative Division of the Cyber Operations Branch, testified that Russia has not extradited any criminals to the United States for these crimes or any similar identity and financial information theft crimes.
Cyber crimes are transnational crimes and the world’s leading nations must work together to protect their citizens. Foreign countries cannot be safe havens for cyber-criminals. Greater international coordination to combat these crimes is necessary. Given Russia’s presidency of the G-8 for this year, it is important this is addressed at the highest level.
We respectfully ask that Treasury Secretary Lew also raise the extradition issue during the next G-20 Finance Ministers meeting later this month. We also encourage you to raise cyber crime and extradition at all G-20 and G-8 meetings this year.
We look forward to working with you and your Administration to ensure the safety and security of all Americans.
Sincerely,
Source: kirk.senate.gov
