Buffalo man pleads guilty to purchasing stolen data from ‘Genesis Market’

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A Buffalo man has pleaded guilty to purchasing stolen data from “Genesis Market,” a criminal online marketplace.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that Wul Isaac Chol, 27, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possessing at least 15 unauthorized access devices with intent to defraud .

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Genesis Market is an online marketplace whose operators compile stolen data and package it for sale. Purchases are made using virtual currency, such as Bitcoin.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said that between June 2019 and January 2021, Chol deposited approximately $105.08 worth of Bitcoin into a Genesis account he created and used the funds to purchase 21 packages of unauthorized access devices containing approximately 778 unauthorized access devices. Additionally, Chol admitted to obtaining $25,164.00 from the New York State Department of Labor without authorization.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Chol is scheduled to be sentenced September 13 before Judge Sinatra.