A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment against Terrance Michael Ciszek, also known as DrMonster, who is a detective with the Buffalo Police Department. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo for the Western District of New York.
Ciszek, 35, of Buffalo, faces charges related to affecting transactions with access devices issued to other persons and aggravated identity theft. These charges carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He had previously been indicted on counts including possession of unauthorized access devices with intent to defraud and making a false statement to an agency of the United States.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly stated that since August 2018, the FBI has been investigating Genesis Market, an illicit online marketplace where stolen data such as computer and mobile device identifiers, email addresses, usernames, and passwords are compiled from malware-infected computers worldwide and sold in packages. Purchases on Genesis Market are typically made using virtual currencies like bitcoin.
According to both the superseding indictment and a previously filed complaint, between March and August 2020 Ciszek allegedly purchased 11 packages from Genesis Market containing 194 stolen account credentials. In March and April 2020 he is accused of attempting to use stolen credit cards for purchases. Additionally, on April 15, 2020 he allegedly possessed and used another person’s identification details including name, address, and credit card information.
The indictment further alleges that on April 4, 2023 Ciszek made false statements to the FBI by denying any purchase of stolen credentials from the internet and suggesting his nephew might have been responsible for buying them online.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm.
“The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.”
