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Latvian 'Robin Hood' Hacker Leaks Confidential Bank Documents to Media

by Caleb Johnson on February 25, 2010 at 08:30 AM

In case you forgot, much of the world is mired in an economic recession. Believe it or not, a lot of folks aren't thrilled with the prospect of civilization as we know it crumbling into chaos, and they're starting to let the big banks know it. According to BBC News, over a three-month period, a hacker known as "Neo" stole documents that detailed the confidential financial records of about 1,000 Latvian banks and companies. Then, the hacker, who's being called the Latvian Robin Hood, leaked the information to television stations in the European nation. The documents contained data that proved some bank managers hadn't taken pay cuts while asking for a bailout, and that some state-run companies were secretly awarded cash while begging the government for help. That's horrible news for any country, but it's truly troubling for Latvia, which has the highest unemployment rate in the European Union (EU) at 23-percent.

Although "Neo" isn't handing out gold coins to crowds, he is dishing out a little power to the people. For citizens who clearly remember the days of the Soviet Union, a little government transparency (even if it comes by way of a crime) is more valuable than any precious metal. [From: BBC News]

Tags: banks, hack, money, neo, privacy, recession, security, television, top

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