Today: 25 August 2025
25 June 2023
1 min read

Hacker who took over Biden, Musk Twitter accounts sent to prison

He was extradited to the US from Spain in April this year, where he awaited trial for harassing, threatening, and extorting his victims…reports Asian Lite News

A 24-year-old hacker behind the massive July 2020 Twitter hack where he along with others attempted to take control of at least 130 famous Twitter accounts has been sentenced to federal prison in the US.

Joseph James O`Connor attacked several celebrity accounts including US President Joe Biden, American socialite and model Kim Kardashian and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

O’Connor was sentenced in a New York federal court to five years in prison, after pleading guilty in May to his role in cyber stalking and computer hacking that targeted several high-profile social media accounts.

In the court, he said his crimes were “stupid and pointless”, and apologised to his victims, reports TechCrunch.

O’Connor, known by his online handle PlugWalkJoe, was part of a group that broke into dozens of high-profile Twitter accounts, including Apple, Binance, Bill Gates, Joe Biden and Elon Musk, to spread cryptocurrency scams in July 2020.

He was extradited to the US from Spain in April this year, where he awaited trial for harassing, threatening, and extorting his victims.

O’Connor, in July 2020, wrote on Biden`s account: “All Bitcoin sent to the address below will be sent back double! If you send $1,000, I will send back $2,000. Only doing this for 30 minutes. Enjoy!”

Twitter then responded at that time by deactivating all verified accounts and disabling the tweet feature in an attempt to target the hackers. As part of his guilty plea, O’Connor has agreed to pay restitution to all of the victims and forfeit just over $7,94,000.

ALSO READ-Musk-Zuckerberg cage fight ‘cancelled’, says Maye Musk

Previous Story

Route to Scottish independence must be lawful, says Yousaf

Next Story

WhatsApp introduces new feature ‘Channels’

Latest from -Top News

‘FAMINE’

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says living situation in Gaza can be described as “famine”…reports Asian Lite News United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the word “famine” could be used to

Ban Coal Exports to Israel

More than 100 pro-Palestine activists launched protests on Thursday in three major South African cities, calling on the government to ban coal exports to Israel…reports Asian Lite News Pro-Palestine activists are pictured

US sanctions more ICC judges

Washington hits at The Hague with fresh sanctions on four ICC judges and prosecutors, including French and Canadian officials, over probes targeting Israel and US actions abroad….reports Asian Lite News The United

UAE Wows Osaka!

The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka celebrates its three millionth visitor, blending culture, innovation, and hospitality in an immersive showcase of heritage, sustainability, and forward-looking global vision….reports Asian Lite News The

MBS & Sisi talk ties, Palestine

The two leaders reviewed the historic and strategic relations between Riyadh and Cairo and explored new ways to bolster cooperation…reports Asian Lite News Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Mohammed bin
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Biden Chairs 30th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting

The leaders’ meeting, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, gathered political

Nikki Haley Emerges as Strongest Republican Contender Against Biden in 2024

Fresh out of the first Republican primary debate late last