A certified ethical hacker has found himself in hot water after being charged with multiple offenses for stealing almost $600,000 worth of cryptocurrency. 27-year-old Aaron Daniel Motta, who was arrested by police in Pinellas Park, Florida, allegedly took advantage of an elderly client by stealing their Trezor hardware wallet and password while providing security assistance.
Authorities revealed that Motta transferred the stolen funds into various wallets that he controlled. The victim’s identity has not been disclosed, and further details about the case have yet to be made public. Motta, who describes himself as a “certified ethical hacker,” has been charged with grand theft and other computer-related offenses.
Motta is the owner of Motta Management & Mitigation Services and is also involved in Apple’s bug bounty program. His Facebook page lists him as an IT manager, former cyber security engineer, and ethical hacker, as reported by the Tampa Bay Times. Additionally, his LinkedIn profile highlights his expertise in cybersecurity, penetration testing, offensive security, and IT.
Despite attempts by the newspaper to reach out to Motta for a comment, he did not respond. Following his arrest on April 8, Motta was taken to Pinellas County Jail and later released on Saturday morning after posting a $60,000 bail.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical conduct in the field of cybersecurity and the consequences of abusing one’s skills and knowledge for personal gain. As the investigation continues, Motta’s actions highlight the potential risks associated with trusting individuals with sensitive information and the need for vigilance when it comes to safeguarding assets in the digital age.