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First Ever Criminal Arrest For Domain Name Theft

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the slowly-catching-up-with-the-times dept.

Domain Name News writes "Until recently, there hasn't been a case of a domain theft where the thief was caught and arrested. However, on July 30th, Daniel Goncalves was arrested at his home in Union, New Jersey and charged in a landmark case, the first criminal arrest for domain name theft in the United States. 'Cases of domain name theft have not typically involved a criminal prosecution because of the complexities, financial restraints and sheer time and energy involved. If a domain name is stolen, the victim of the crime in most cases would need experience with the technical and legal intricacies associated with the domain name system. To move the case forward, they would also need a law enforcement professional who understands the case or is willing to take the time to learn. For example, the Angels told us that in their case they called their local law enforcement in Florida who sent a uniformed officer in a squad car to their home. The first thing you can imagine the officer asked was, "What's a domain?"'"

2 of 294 comments (clear)

  1. How is this "theft?" by bonch · · Score: 1, Flamebait

    According to Slashdot in every piracy article, this isn't "theft," because you're not taking anything physical. So I'm confused about the headline. Help me out, Slashdot.

  2. Re:Oh, Those Dumb Police Officers! by Maximus633 · · Score: 1, Flamebait
    I couldn't agree more with your post. General society will tell the soldiers, fire fighters, and EMS thank you for doing their jobs but most forget police officers.

    Being the son of both parents being police officers (my Dad is retired) I can point out that everything you said here is extremely true. I can remember the first time my Mom called me while I was at school just to tell me she loved me so much. She called because she was involved in a shooting. I can tell you I am more afraid of my Dad and I getting a visit from the Police Chief, Captain of Patrol, and the shift Sergent at our house to tell us tat something happened to my Mom in the line of duty. Every day she (and when my Dad wore his) puts that uniform on you draw a big target on yourself.

    Not only that but the pay is not only crappy but low for what they do. My Mom has to work extra jobs on her time off in order to make enough money to help pay bills. She makes less then 56,000/yr and has been in law enforcement for 17 years. I have been in the work force less then 5 and have no degree and make 45,000/yr. Something majorly wrong with those pictures.

    So to all the officers on Slashdot Thanks!