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Accused TJX hacker faces 15 to 20

The largest (known) identity theft caper in US history

The hacker accused of orchestrating the largest-known identity theft in US history will serve between 15 to 25 years in prison under a plea deal filed Friday.

Albert "Segvec" Gonzalez is accused of leading a hacking circle that stole 130 million credit and debit card numbers from major retail chains like Barnes and Noble, T.J. Maxx, Sports Authority, and OfficeMax.

The former government informant agreed to plead guilty to 19 felony counts in Massachusetts by September 11. Court documents also indicate Gonzalez will plead guilty to a separate New York indictment accusing him of similar crimes that targeted 11 Dave & Buster's restaurants.

The deal does not cover a third indictment in New Jersey against Gonzalez related to the alleged theft of data from more than 130 million credit card accounts from card payment processor Heartland Payment Systems and retailers Hannaford Brothers and 7-Eleven.

Gonzalez, who is already in jail, will also forfeit nearly $1.65m in cash, his Miami condominium, a 2006 BMW, laptop computers, three Rolex watches, and other items according to the filing.

Authorities said in court papers Gonzalez faces 15 to 25 years in prison under the deal.

The US Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey stated the case is believed to constitute the largest hacking and identity theft case ever prosecuted by the US Department of Justice. ®

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