Founder of spyware maker pcTattletale pleads guilty to hacking and advertising surveillance software | TechCrunch

"The plea follows a multi-year investigation by agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a unit within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. HSI began investigating pcTattletale in mid-2021 as part of a wider probe into the industry of consumer-grade surveillance software, also known as "stalkerware." This is the first successful U.S. federal prosecution of a stalkerware operator in more than a decade, following the 2014 indictment and subsequent guilty plea of the creator of a phone surveillance app called StealthGenie."

"Fleming's conviction could pave the way for further federal investigations and prosecutions against those operating spyware, but also those who simply advertise and sell covert surveillance software. HSI said that pcTattletale is one of several stalkerware websites under investigation. A spokesperson for ICE did not immediately comment when contacted by TechCrunch, nor did a representative for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California, which brought the charges against Fleming."

Bryan Fleming pleaded guilty in San Diego federal court to computer hacking, sale and advertising of surveillance software for unlawful uses, and conspiracy related to pcTattletale. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted a multi-year probe that began in mid-2021 into pcTattletale as part of a wider investigation of consumer-grade surveillance software known as stalkerware. pcTattletale operated as a remote surveillance app under Fleming's control since at least 2016. Stalkerware enables buyers to covertly track phones and computers and often targets intimate partners; its use is illegal in the United States and many other countries. Fleming's conviction may prompt additional federal investigations and prosecutions of spyware operators and sellers.

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