A FLINTSHIRE drug dealer, blackmailer and hacker who was unmasked following an FBI investigation has been put behind bars.

Barry Byrne, of Hafod Park in Mold, appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court on Tuesday morning.

The 44-year-old had pleaded guilty previously to ten offences, including:

  • Blackmail 
  • Securing unauthorised access to a computer
  • Unauthorised modification of computer material
  • Being concerned in the supply of cannabis
  • Unauthorised selling of copyright material
  • Encouraging or assisting in the commission of one or more offences
  • Fraud x4

Simon Rogers, prosecuting, told the court the defendant's charges came about following an FBI investigation into an online criminal marketplace named Genesis.

The marketplace operated on the open and the dark web as a place for criminals to purchase 'bots', digital fingerprints, usernames and logins, financial information and other personal data taken from victims who had gotten malware on their computers.

Mr Rogers said the FBI took a snapshot of the site in May 2022 and succeeded in taking it down in April the follow year.

Byrne was identified as a user, having made an account in January 2022 and used it until mid-April, purchasing some 20 bots for around $230.

When a warrant was executed at his home, following the involvement of the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, his devices were seized and analysed.

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It was found he'd blackmailed a couple from Croatia - accessing their email account and using copies of personal documents to try and extort a "ransom" payment out of them.

Whilst that was going on, he bragged about the crime to a friend - messaging: "I found loads of useful stuff, so much personal stuff that should not be in my hands, lol."

The analysis of his phone revealed he'd been dealing cannabis for some time - leaving quantities of the substance in the barbecue in his garden for his customers to collect.

He'd also been illegally selling internet TV packages for services such as Sky sports and movies.

And over a period of time he instructed and encouraged another man to learn how to 'phish' or hack into other people's computers with a view to mine bitcoin.

The Leader: Barry Byrne (NWP)Barry Byrne (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police)Byrne had also used social media to sell a "method" to other people - purporting to be able to teach them how to commit fraud.

But these people would be taught up to a certain point and then asked for money for the rest; at which point Byrne would take the payment and defraud his would-be learners by ending he communication.

The defendant also boasted about getting this money out of his victims.

John Wyn Williams, defending, told the court: "At the root of these offences is his gambling addiction.

"He built up a debt to, as he put it, some very nasty people.

"He was scared for his family and needed to do what he could to pay these people back."

Mr Wyn Williams said his client felt his "childhood is largely to blame" for the way he now behaves.

"There is a gap of some 20 years in his offending," he continued.

"And he doesn't show a pattern of re-offending in his adult years.

The Leader:

"He is ashamed of his behaviour and there is clear evidence that there is a prospect of rehabilitation.

"It is clear from the character references in support from those in the wider community that he is and can be a useful member of society."

But Judge Nicola Saffman said it was clear Byrne had taken pleasure in the offences he committed; bragging and laughing about the misery he was causing.

A sentence of four years and eight months was handed down for the lead offence of blackmail - with lesser custodial or no separate penalty sentences handed down to run concurrent on all other offences.

The overall sentence of four years and eight months must be served immediately.