Dallas ISP raided and shut down by FBI - Page 2 - GoFuckYourself.com

quantum-x · 04-06-2009, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by socalkev

I posted what I had read, and what had been initially reported in a Dallas newspaper and on PCWorld.com. And yes, it was speculation based on IP matters. Now it appears this case is over fees supposedly due to AT&T and Verizon for voip access. While the specifics may have changed, the reality is the same - the FBI shut down the servers of a lot of very innocent companies for no reason if all they needed to do was investigate the voip servers and get records of the transactions that AT&T and Verizon are complaining about - and according to the owners of the ISPs involved, any fees due them should be paid by the clients using the voip servers, not them, by the way. Story here. Whether any of this is true or not is still speculation as well. But the FBI still shut down the entire ISP, and a lot of people with no connection to any possible wrongdoing are suffering because of it, whether it be from loss of data or their 911 service. etc.

C'mon. It wasn't an entire datacenter.
It was a few boxes in some rackspace.

Finike · 04-06-2009, 02:17 PM

This is the reason why I use a Canadian hosting company

crockett · 04-06-2009, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NetHorse

Yeah..I am willing to bet there is a lot more to this story than what's being reported.

I agree it sucks that the innocent have to pay the price though.

The FBI won't organize a major raid like this without a very good reason. If they raided the ISP solely on the reasons being provided than 100s of ISPs across the country would have already been raided.

There better be one hell of a lot more to the story to even come close to justifying this kind of over reaction. People losing access to 911 can be a matter of life and death. In all honestly I hope this ends up being some sort of land mark case and the FBI gets bitch slapped.

sortie · 04-06-2009, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snake Doctor

Ethersync · 04-07-2009, 04:41 AM

Quote:

I Just Got Fired by the FBI (The U.S. Mafia)

April 6th, 1984
by Tarek Saab

TarekIn case you have been wondering what happened to GoldandSilverNow . . .

Last Thursday, April 2, 1984 - I mean, 2009 - the FBI confiscated the code for each of my online businesses*. They seized all of our servers. They seized our backup servers, and the backups to our backups. As of this writing, everything I have devoted my professional career to over the past three years is no longer in my possession.

My crime? Nothing. In fact, the FBI is not even after me. You will not see me cuffed in an orange jumpsuit on the nightly news. I am a law-abiding, tax-paying American citizen, just one of hundreds of business owners impacted by a secret government raid on a Dallas server company. Google and AT&T have been affected. Local city governments have lost data. Many are still without e-mail. Several counties have lost their 911 service.

FBI Raids Downtown Facility (see video)

The cause? Lest anyone doubt who our politicians answer to, the tax-payer funded government mafia known as the Federal Bureau of Instigation, while in the midst of supposedly fighting terror and protecting the common good against serial killers and drug cartels, spent Thursday morning confiscating the assets of businesses like mine because one movie pirate (who rented server space from the same hosting company) was facilitating downloads of the Hugh Jackman superhero movie, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine." That is the rumor, anyway. I wish I was joking.

I am a published author and obviously do not endorse the piracy of copyrighted material. This is different, whether the rumor is factual or not. This is the equivalent of imprisoning a town because one of its residents is a thief; of evicting an entire apartment building because one tenant is dealing drugs. It is police work the lazy way. In the meantime, hundreds of businesses are now staring at the long and arduous process of regrouping after this fascist sucker punch. The collateral damage is unfathomable.

In the midst of corporate bailouts, stimulus packages, and a $3.6 trillion federal budget, let it be known the the Feds are busy at work raiding small businesses and disrupting the lives of private citizens. We live in a time when the prevailing creed is: some are more equal than others. This is the 21st century animal farm, and the smell from the glue factory is palpable.

According to the FBI, we might get our data returned to us soon. I received the following e-mail this weekend from the FBI agent in charge of the case: "Sir, we are working with Inverse Operations (note: our hosting provider) to provide them with a copy of all of the data on their servers - if you have any questions, please direct them to Inverse Operations."

Comforting.

Let this be a lesson to others. If ever there has been a time to protect your (ass)ets, it is now. Welcome to communism. It's gonna be a bumpy ride.

*Lest any of our customers fear that his or her privacy has been compromised, we have kept (and will continue to keep) no customer information. This is the reason we conduct all business by phone. From our inception, all e-mail correspondence has been automatically removed from our servers the moment it was sent, precisely for instances like this one. We will continue to conduct business this way. Hopefully, we will be back up and running in a week . . . that is, if Big Brother allows it.

Tarek Saab
President, GoldandSilverNow
[email protected]

http://goldandsilvernow.com/

Ethersync · 04-07-2009, 05:16 AM

Here is the Application and Affidavit For Search Warrant.

http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/2323%20Bryan.pdf

On page 11 it starts to get interesting. Look for the "Facts In Support of Affidavit" section.

They are accusing this guy of ripping off AT&T and Verizon, Pirating software, SPAM, illegally upgrading his router software (wtf?), carrying an unlicensed firearm, having a large amount of data being uploaded through his home Internet which they assume means he was, "dealing in pirated software and movies, operating SPAM servers, or remotely administrating computer networks."

Then it talks about many forum posts he may have made under the name CygonX where he bragged about being a "lifetime pirate and gamer" among other things... He also is accused of being an administrator for UWWWB.com.

Pleasurepays · 04-07-2009, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ethersync

Here is the Application and Affidavit For Search Warrant.

http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/2323%20Bryan.pdf

On page 11 it starts to get interesting. Look for the "Facts In Support of Affidavit" section.

They are accusing this guy of ripping off AT&T and Verizon, Pirating software, SPAM, illegally upgrading his router software (wtf?), carrying an unlicensed firearm, having a large amount of data being uploaded through his home Internet which they assume means he was, "dealing in pirated software and movies, operating SPAM servers, or remotely administrating computer networks."

Then it talks about many forum posts he may have made under the name CygonX where he bragged about being a "lifetime pirate and gamer" among other things... He also is accused of being an administrator for UWWWB.com.

That can't be. Directfiesta had me convinced that everyone is a victim.

shit.

my world is shattered.

just a punk · 04-07-2009, 06:23 AM

I believe they found Osama there. He was hiding among core IP network addresses.

Ethersync · 04-07-2009, 06:28 AM

Here is one of the posts the FBI referenced:
http://digg.com/pc_games/PC_piracy_l...1186#c12221186

Quote:

Hey I have been a pirate since the days of soldering the jumpers in C64 drives to copy drive to drive, and I have ran a warez forum for years: I am very familiar with that community, from top to bottom. Outside of that perspective, I am also a consumer that buys Xbox games and PC Games, both for myself and my kids that each have their own PC Gaming Platform and Xbox 360. Although I certainly could spend my time and efforts to play with the keygens and hacked servers to play PC multi-player games?I just don?t, and I don?t know a lot of pirates that do. It?s generally just accepted that you try to warez version of a new FPS in Single-Player, sort of an unlimited trial, and if you like it and would want to play the multiplayer?then you buy it. I didn?t buy Cryisis, but I bought Orange Box, COD4, and I have bought a dozen copies of BF2, BF2142, and all the mods for myself, the kids and etc. Although I have virtually unlimited access to almost everything ever recorded in any form of electronic media?I BUY Multi-Player PC Games.
My very professional opinion, and an open letter game developing companies:
You can give up on copy protection, quit giving a dime to Safedisk, SecureROM, LaserLock or any of those companies?.they are a joke at best. Just spend some time to make it at least inconvenient to play your games online without a legit copy and your target demographic, the 20 to 40 males with some money, will spend their money to buy your games, to play them online.
And don?t split your profits with a publisher either, do online distribution, it works. Sure there are bandwidth and network issues, but there is no shortage of companies to handle those issues. Spend your money promoting the game online and wherever you have to, but me personally?I have NEVER gone to Wal-Mart or Game Stop and browsed the game shelves looking for a new game. If I ever leave the PC and go to a physical store it?s to buy a damn game that I can only get at a store, and I can?t tell you how many times I would have bought a damn new release, but the damn Game Stop was sold out (and it?s never fun to deal with those retards). So in fact, it was EASIER and MORE CONVENIENT for me to download the warez copy, than it was to buy it?even though the money wasn?t an issue to begin with.

The point is teenagers with the wherewithal to use the Internet, that do not have money, will always steal your games. But those same kids will eventually have a job, responsibilities, and in most cases will reach a point when it will be more convenient for them to buy your PC Games, versus wasting hours with trial and error and keygens to play online: especially if you make it possible to do so online. Once again, people with no money, can?t give you any money, they will steal your games?that can?t be fixed. Don?t try to fix it. Look at that demographic as your customers in 5 years? make great single-player experiences for them?just like COD4?perfect, a fantastic experience?but short, and ultimately just a promotion for the multi-player experience.

I?d bet a substantial portion of my net worth that if Infinity Ward took the profit they shared with the publisher, and the money the publisher blew on worthless copy protection back in their pocket, that would be a great deal more money than you would have lost with NO COPY PROTECTION and Online Distribution: money that could go back into developing better games. Seriously guys, I see your games hit zero day distro dumps long before they hit the shelves at Best Buy, just keep your money. I had beaten the single-player of C0D4 before it hit the shelves, and when it did show up at Game Spot I bought 3 copies to play online and to share with others: for me, the warez copy sold your game, not the demo. You should send Razor1911 a commission check.

And another thing, I love my Xbox, but I CoD4 looks a lot better on my PC with my GeForce 8800 GTX, and to me FPS are just made to play with a mouse and keyboard, call me old fashioned. I work in technology, and everyone I know, even outside of this industry has a PC and is a potential online gamer. Sure the cheap ass boxes in the sub-$1000 category aren?t going to play C0D4 at the same experience level, but people will upgrade their machines if they have a reason to, and good games are a good reason. Have you checked NewEgg lately, they are doing quite well. We all spent a ton of money upgrading to play Crysis, they should have released that for free and bought stock in ATI and nVidia. Granted that?s probably not a realistic model, but either is abandoning PC game development, or trying to make money selling uncrackable physical game copies.
Just my 2-cents, and a bit of insight from a lifetime pirate and gamer in your target demographic.

Barefootsies · 04-07-2009, 06:38 AM

Whhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa??!?!?!

Why's isn't gideongallery in this thread babbling about the law and time shifting?!?!

Ya know, they were just 'time shifting' Hollywood movies from the internet to their HD, or vice versa. No need to hammer everyone for the 'cloud' of backing up files they watched in a movie theatre.

Fletch XXX · 04-07-2009, 06:39 AM

watch what you say on forums ppl

Snake Doctor · 04-07-2009, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barefootsies

Whhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa??!?!?!

Why's isn't gideongallery in this thread babbling about the law and time shifting?!?!

Ya know, they were just 'time shifting' Hollywood movies from the internet to their HD, or vice versa. No need to hammer everyone for the 'cloud' of backing up files they watched in a movie theatre.

That's probably not what this was about.

More likely spam....but the FBI always throws the book at people. Hits them with a shitload of little charges to go along with the main one. It's SOP and two attorneys have told me that we should expect that if we ever get charged with obscenity. It'll be obscenity plus a dozen other things.

Just gives them more leverage when it comes time to plea out. Or alot more years in jail if you fight and lose and go to sentencing.

Ethersync · 04-07-2009, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fletch XXX

watch what you say on forums ppl

nation-x · 04-07-2009, 07:27 AM

I just read the whole affidavit and it presents quite a case against these people for alot of different crimes.

Brujah · 04-07-2009, 07:44 AM

So, is it all over Magic Jack?

Platinumpimp · 04-07-2009, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pornguy

Thats something that in the long run will cost them a HELL of a lot in court.

You think they care? Some meatpuppet (employee) on the FBI payroll takes a decision. At the end of the day he goes home and doesn't care. That's basically how it works.

04-06-2009, 02:17 PM	#52
Finike Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Austria Posts: 1,581	This is the reason why I use a Canadian hosting company __________________ Pregnant, fetish or tit traffic? Promote Lactation Cash, a CCBill based lactation niche program with better signup and rebill ratios! Trade traffic: SexyPix TGP - Milky TGP - Lactation Sex TGP - So Sexy Nylons - Sexy Bra TGP - 6 Fetish Tube - All my traffic trades !

04-07-2009, 06:23 AM	#58
just a punk So fuckin' bored Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 32,381	I believe they found Osama there. He was hiding among core IP network addresses. __________________ Obey the Cowgod

04-07-2009, 06:38 AM	#60
Barefootsies Choice is an Illusion Industry Role: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Land of Obama Posts: 42,635	Whhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa??!?!?! Why's isn't gideongallery in this thread babbling about the law and time shifting?!?! Ya know, they were just 'time shifting' Hollywood movies from the internet to their HD, or vice versa. No need to hammer everyone for the 'cloud' of backing up files they watched in a movie theatre. __________________ Should You Email Your Members? Link1 \| Link2 \| Link3 Enough Said. "Would you rather live like a king for a year or like a prince forever?"

04-07-2009, 06:39 AM	#61
Fletch XXX GFY HALL OF FAME DAMMIT!!! Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: that 504 Posts: 60,840	watch what you say on forums ppl __________________ Want an Android App for your tube, membership, or free site? Need banners or promo material? Hit us up (ICQ Fletch: 148841377) or email me fletchxxx at gmail.com - recent work - About me

04-07-2009, 07:44 AM	#65
Brujah Beer Money Baron Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: brujah / gmail Posts: 22,157	So, is it all over Magic Jack? __________________ Free Premium Domain Lists and Tools at Clickmojo.com For Sale: Obscenity.com

04-07-2009, 05:16 AM	#56
Ethersync Confirmed User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: London, Saint-Tropez, Bermuda, Moscow Posts: 5,289	Here is the Application and Affidavit For Search Warrant. http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/2323%20Bryan.pdf On page 11 it starts to get interesting. Look for the "Facts In Support of Affidavit" section. They are accusing this guy of ripping off AT&T and Verizon, Pirating software, SPAM, illegally upgrading his router software (wtf?), carrying an unlicensed firearm, having a large amount of data being uploaded through his home Internet which they assume means he was, "dealing in pirated software and movies, operating SPAM servers, or remotely administrating computer networks." Then it talks about many forum posts he may have made under the name CygonX where he bragged about being a "lifetime pirate and gamer" among other things... He also is accused of being an administrator for UWWWB.com.

04-07-2009, 07:27 AM	#64
nation-x Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Rock Hill, SC Posts: 5,370	I just read the whole affidavit and it presents quite a case against these people for alot of different crimes.