Russian Man Faces US Trial in Lucrative Hacking Scheme

SEATTLE (AP) — Federal prosecutors say Roman Seleznev is a master hacker who orchestrated an international scheme that resulted in about $170 million in fraudulent credit card purchases.

In a federal trial beginning this week, prosecutors will present evidence they say proves Seleznev hacked into U.S. businesses, mostly pizza restaurants in Washington state.

Prosecutors say he stole credit card information and made millions by selling that data on underground internet forums.

Seleznev's lawyers plan to argue that prosecutors have failed to adequately connect Seleznev with the computer hacks that hit more than 200 businesses over several years. They also say the U.S. Secret Service agents who arrested Seleznev mishandled his laptop, which may have compromised some evidence.

Jury selection begins Monday in Seattle. The trial is expected to run for more than two weeks.