I'm reading a journal article from a decade or so ago which in passing refers to the "Coconut Connection" case, which it describes as the largest telecommunications fraud on record. A quick google search brings up basically nothing about this incident. Does anyone have any details or any suggestion where to look for more info?
--scott
Perhaps the most daring call-sell operation on record was the so-called Coconut Connection case in 1988. Based in Honolulu, the operators sold long distance service at a discount to businesses and individuals throughout the US. The thieves claimed they were merely reselling "excess" long distance service purchased from other companies. The crooks sent out new access codes to their customers every few days. Unbeknownst to the customers, these numbers were stolen. ... The Secret Service finally shut the operations down, arresting 20 people and seizing 12 computer systems and 3,500 stolen access codes. That operation alone accounted for $125 million in fraudulent call annually.
United Phreaker's Incorporated Magazine Volume Two, Issue Seven As found at
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