Man Admits Guilt in Mass Snapchat Hack
Kyle Svara, 26, of Illinois, pleaded guilty on Wednesday in federal court in Boston to charges of computer fraud and aggravated identity theft for hacking the Snapchat accounts of nearly 600 women. The stolen accounts were used to download, sell, and trade nude or semi-nude photos online.
Svara’s scheme came to light during an earlier investigation into former Northeastern University track-and-field coach Steve Waithe, who hired him in 2020 to access accounts of women he knew personally. Waithe, already sentenced in 2024 to five years in prison for similar offences, paid Svara $50 per hack.
Scope of the Hack
Between May 2020 and February 2021, Svara collected login information by sending fraudulent messages claiming to be from Snapchat support. These messages tricked women into providing security codes. Prosecutors said he successfully obtained security codes from 571 women, gaining full access to at least 59 accounts.
Svara also advertised his services on online forums like Reddit, offering access to hacked accounts for sale or trade. His activities highlight the growing risks of social engineering and phishing on popular social media platforms.
Sentencing and Responsibility
Under a plea deal, prosecutors recommended a three-year prison term, with sentencing scheduled for May 18, 2026. Svara’s lawyer, Todd Pugh, said his client has taken full responsibility for his actions.
“This plea allows him to accept responsibility publicly and is a significant relief,” Pugh said.
The case serves as a reminder of the legal and personal consequences of online fraud, particularly the exploitation of private digital content.
