For a moment, Internet users can rejoice. Robert Soloway of Seattle was
indicted on 35 counts today in Seattle. Charges include identity theft, mail fraud, wire fraud and even money laundering. He could face 75 years in prison if convicted.
Prosecutors stated that they expected to see a
drop in spam due to Soloway’s arrest. And In fact, according to an Information Week article, there has been an 8% drop.
Solloway’s company, Newport Internet Marketing offered broadcast email services and software. It is alleged that the company promoted that email addresses were “opt in” when they were not. Many legitimate businesses fell victim to his spam scheme. Solloway used a network of proxies and bots to distribute his spam.