A computer hacker from Hailsham who set up frauds to feed a gambling habit has been ordered to pay more than £100,000.
Alistair Peckover – described by police as an “obsessive loner” – used websites including Google and BT to steal people’s bank details.
The 21-year-old, of London Road, Hailsham, has recently been released from a 20-month prison sentence for fraud.
At a hearing at Basildon Crown Court last week he was ordered to pay back £124,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
If he doesn’t produce the money within six months he must go to jail for another nine months.
The sum includes a total of £9,700 compensation for four of his victims.
Peckover, who previously lived in Broadfield, Crawley, stole the details of about 500 people from wireless internet supplier BT Openzone.
He redirected their emails to himself to intercept their bank details and set up scams.
One victim ended up paying Peckover their rent instead of their landlord; another paid him money when they were trying to buy a car; others had their credit cards used to buy gifts.
He also hacked into online betting sites, rigging virtual greyhound races.
When he was arrested, police seized a Porsche, £40,000 cash and gold bullion worth £30,000 at his home.
Detective Inspector Simon Harsley, of Sussex Police, said: “This investigation is another example that shows we can pursue criminals of all kinds beyond their convictions and sentences, and make them pay back what they stole.
“We will seek to strip them of their proceeds, and obtain justice and compensation for the law-abiding public at every possible opportunity."
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