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Press Release

Dutch National Indicted On Computer Hacking And Identity Theft Charges Related To Theft Of Digital Versions Of 3 Hollywood Movies

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California

LOS ANGELES – A federal grand jury today indicted a Dutch national on federal computer hacking and identity theft charges related to the theft of digital versions of three motion pictures.

Joey Vogelaar, who used the online monikers of “TyPeR” and “neXus,” was named in a two-count indictment that alleges unauthorized access to a protected computer and aggravated identity theft.

Vogelaar, 28, a resident of Delft, the Netherlands, allegedly stole pre-release digital copies of the Sony Pictures Entertainment film “How Do You Know” and the Paramount production “Rango,” as well as the Dreamworks movie “Megamind,” which at the time of the alleged theft was in theatrical release.

In 2010, Vegelaar allegedly used a username and password belonging to another person to access a computer system where the films were located. The compromised computer system was located at a company outside of the studios that was involved in the production process.

The computer hacking charge carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. The charge of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year sentence to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed in the case.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Release No. 15-019

Updated June 22, 2015