A Dutch court jailed two unidentified hackers for commandeering millions of computers.

"They used the hijacked systems in a network, popularly called a botnet, to steal credit card numbers and other personal data, and to blackmail online businesses by threatening to take down their Web sites," says CNET News.

One was sentenced to two years in prison, and his accomplice to 18 months, but in both cases, "the sentences equal the time the two young men have already served, meaning they don't have to spend any more time in prison," says the story.

"In addition to the prison sentences, the court ordered the main hacker to pay a 9,000 euro ($11,700) fine, while the second hacker was ordered to pay 4,000 euros ($5,200)."

The leader, 20, created Toxbot as well Wayphisher, the court heard, and, "The 28-year-old accomplice helped to spread the Trojan horses and maintain the network of compromised PCs," says CNET, going on:

"The pair used the identity information they collected, which also included eBay and PayPal account details, to purchase PlayStation game consoles, iPods, audio speakers, a graphics card and a camera, according to the prosecution."

Other suspects in the Dutch case still have to appear before a judge, adds the story.

. Slashdot it!

Also See:
CNET News - Dutch botnet hackers sentenced to time served, January 31, 2007