Identity theft gang connected to ATM breach

It has been claimed that the hacking ring at the centre of the largest-ever ID theft was connected to an incident where a network of ATMs was broken into.

A law enforcement source told the Financial Times that the gang, allegedly responsible for stealing more than 130 million credit card numbers, was also connected to an incident where thousands of Citibank-branded cash machines in 7-Eleven stores were hit in 2007 and 2008.

The FT said that, according to documents in the ATM case, cards and PIN numbers were taken from the system and used to make new cards, which were used to take millions of dollars.

Citibank refused to comment, while in a statement 7-Eleven said that the ATMs were owned and operated by a third party, with the relevant card companies contacted.