(WNY News Now) – Rochester – Brandon Hall, 23, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to federal charges of possessing 15 or more unauthorized access devices with intent to defraud. Hall’s plea, entered before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr., could result in a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case, handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, centers on Hall’s involvement with Genesis Market, an illicit online marketplace. The FBI has been investigating Genesis Market since August 2018. The platform is notorious for selling stolen data—such as computer identifiers, usernames, and passwords—obtained from malware-infected computers worldwide. Transactions on Genesis Market are typically conducted using virtual currencies like bitcoin, making them harder to trace.
Between November 2019 and February 2021, Hall deposited roughly $224.50 worth of bitcoin into his Genesis account. Using these funds, he purchased 12 packages containing over 1,100 unauthorized access devices, enabling him to commit fraud. Hall used his Coinbase account to fund these illicit transactions.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia overseeing the case. The Rochester Police Department also played a critical role, under the leadership of Chief David Smith.
Hall’s sentencing is scheduled for January 16, 2025.
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