The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have charged an employee of the Australian Public Service based in Sydney with manipulating the processing power of his Agency’s computer.
AFP officers said the profits from the alleged crypto currency mining operation were estimated to be worth more than $9,000.
AFP officers conducted a search of the man’s Sydney home and seized a personal laptop, personal phone, employee ID cards and data files.
The 33-year-old man from Killara, NSW has been charged with the unauthorised modification of data to cause impairment, contrary to Section 477.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Commonwealth).
He was also charged with unauthorised modification of restricted data contrary to Section 478.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Commonwealth).
Manager of Cybercrime Operations for the AFP, Acting Commander Chris Goldsmid said the alleged abuse of a public office was a very serious matter.
“Australian taxpayers put their trust in public officials to perform vital roles for our community with the utmost integrity,” Acting Commander Goldsmid said.
“Any alleged criminal conduct which betrays this trust for personal gain will be investigated and prosecuted.”
Acting Commander Goldsmid said the charges preferred in the matter carried a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and two years imprisonment, respectively.
