How an iCloud Hacker Stole Thousands of Nude Photos and Got 9 Years in Prison

Leeping Computer reported that a U.S. man was sentenced to nine years in prison for computer fraud after admitting in October 2021 to infiltrating thousands of Apple iCloud accounts and stealing large numbers of victims' nude photos and videos.

Known online as “icloudripper4you,” the hacker, identified as Hao Kuo Chi, began his illicit activities as early as September 2014, claiming he could breach iCloud accounts and extract any content stored there.

According to FBI agent David Walker, Chi conducted a “terrorist‑like” operation that caused fear and suffering for hundreds of victims, and the bureau is committed to exposing and prosecuting such cybercriminals.

Chi used phishing emails posing as Apple support to trick victims into revealing their Apple IDs and passwords. After gaining access, he searched victims’ iCloud storage for nude material, which he then shared online and with accomplices, even posting some on a now‑defunct revenge‑porn site.

Before his arrest, Chi accessed hundreds of iCloud accounts across many U.S. states, storing credentials for about 4,700 victims. He reportedly sent stolen content to accomplices over 300 times and kept more than 3.5 TB of data, including roughly 1 TB of nude photos and videos, on cloud and physical storage.

U.S. prosecutors highlighted the severe harm to hundreds of women and emphasized the commitment to hold cybercriminals accountable.