A Secret Service Agent, a Young Hacker, and the Life of PII

Podcast: Click Here
Host: Dina Temple-Raston
Release Date: April 22, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Click Here, Dina Temple-Raston delves into the intricate world of cybercrime, identity theft, and redemption. The story intertwines the lives of Matt O'Neill, a dedicated Secret Service agent, and Hu Min, a young Vietnamese hacker who orchestrates one of the largest Personally Identifiable Information (PII) marketplaces in the world. This detailed narrative explores the fine line between legality and criminality in the digital age and showcases a remarkable journey from wrongdoing to restitution.

Matt O'Neill and the Secret Service

The episode begins by introducing Matt O'Neill, a Secret Service agent based in New Hampshire, who specializes in combating financial crimes. Contrary to popular belief, the Secret Service's primary mission extends beyond presidential protection to include the fight against counterfeit money and financial fraud.

• Dina Temple-Raston (00:24): "Matt was investigating financial crimes, but not with the FBI or local law enforcement. He was with the Secret Service."

• Matt O'Neill (00:41): "Secret Service was actually founded at the end of the US Civil War because a third to half of all money in circulation was counterfeit. But the roots of the organization have always been in combating financial crime."

In 2012, Matt's routine work dealing with cash register hacks in New Hampshire takes a pivotal turn when he discovers a website blatantly selling stolen PII openly.

The Rise of Hu Min

Hu Min, a teenager from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, becomes central to the story. Growing up in a context where computer access was limited and internet usage was costly, Hu found his passion and skills in hacking through his family's electronics business.

• Hu Min (03:19): "I didn't know much about computers, so I just played with it."

Sent to live with his uncle to hone his skills, Hu's fascination with computers deepens, leading him into the dark web—a realm of illicit activities that forever changes his path.

• Hu Min (05:02): "At first, I just had for fun, you know, like I had the website getting into database and stealing the credit card and bank accounts, and I just share for free."

The Creation and Operation of Super Get.info

Bored with minor thefts, Hu Min stumbles upon a major opportunity by selling PII, recognizing its perpetual value compared to transient assets like credit card information.

• Hu Min (08:42): "Is not like credit card, right?"

By creating a fake identity, Jason Wheel, Hu begins selling PII on a large scale through his website, Super Get.info, quickly amassing a staggering amount of data and income.

• Hu Min (10:17): "Today I got into so much data and I was able to obtain roughly around 200 million U.S. identity."

Within two years, Hu's operation grows exponentially, generating over $100,000 monthly by selling stolen identities openly on the clear web.

The Sting Operation and Arrest

Agency Matt O'Neill devises a strategic plan to bring Hu Min to justice. Understanding the complexity of prosecuting an international cybercriminal without an extradition treaty with Vietnam, Matt employs an undercover operation to lure Hu back to U.S. jurisdiction.

• Matt O'Neill (13:36): "It's not necessarily illegal to sell other people's PII. A lot of people don't know that. So I could sell you 5,000 Social Security numbers, but in order to charge me, you have to show that I knowingly sent it with the knowledge that you intended to commit fraud."

By posing as a potential criminal buyer, Matt obtains undeniable proof of Hu's intent to use PII for unlawful activities.

• Hu Min (06:35): "So I returned all that money to the victims. And then I was so scared, I ran back to Vietnam."

Matt orchestrates a meeting in Guam, a U.S. territory, ensuring Hu Min's apprehension without the complications of international extradition.

• Matt O'Neill (16:09): "We were able to get his payment information, and he was using a credit card that actually comes back to him."

Upon arrival in Guam, Hu is swiftly detained, marking the end of his extensive PII operation.

Hu Min's Transformation and Redemption

Faced with the consequences of his actions, Hu Min undergoes a profound transformation during his incarceration. Influenced by the heartfelt letters from victims and the realization of the real-world impact of his crimes, Hu commits to rehabilitation.

• Hu Min (21:37): "The victims couldn't afford the house, couldn't afford the car, stuff like that, because of me, because of me selling their identity. It's real people with real damage with real consequences."

Embracing change, Hu actively participates in programs to improve himself, learns English, and mentors fellow inmates. His cooperation proves invaluable to the Secret Service, aiding in dismantling further cybercriminal operations.

• Hu Min (25:08): "Me and him, we kind of very good friends. We constantly keep in touch almost every week."

Upon his release after seven years, Hu returns to Vietnam with a renewed purpose. He joins the National Cybersecurity Center, utilizing his expertise to combat the very crimes he once perpetuated. Additionally, Hu establishes a nonprofit organization to train law enforcement, ensuring his skills contribute positively to society.

• Hu Min (25:34): "When I'm hunting the cyber criminal, it just feels like, you know, I was facing myself, you know, and kind of talking to myself back in the day."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a compelling narrative of redemption and the power of second chances. Hu Min's journey from a novice hacker to one of the most notorious PII traffickers, and finally to a cybersecurity advocate, underscores the complex interplay between technology, morality, and personal growth. Matt O'Neill's relentless pursuit and strategic brilliance highlight the ongoing battle against cybercrime, emphasizing that behind every digital breach are real lives affected.

Notable Quotes

• Dina Temple-Raston (00:24): "Matt was investigating financial crimes, but not with the FBI or local law enforcement. He was with the Secret Service."

• Matt O'Neill (10:17): "Today I got into so much data and I was able to obtain roughly around 200 million U.S. identity."

• Matt O'Neill (13:36): "It's not necessarily illegal to sell other people's PII. A lot of people don't know that."

• Hu Min (21:37): "The victims couldn't afford the house, couldn't afford the car, stuff like that, because of me, because of me selling their identity."

• Hu Min (25:34): "When I'm hunting the cyber criminal, it just feels like, you know, I was facing myself, you know, and kind of talking to myself back in the day."

Key Takeaways

1. The Dual Nature of PII: While PII can be leveraged legally for marketing and data analysis, in the wrong hands, it becomes a tool for extensive fraud and identity theft.

2. Undercover Operations: Matt O'Neill's approach demonstrates the importance of understanding the nuances of cybercrime to effectively dismantle it from within.

3. Redemption and Rehabilitation: Hu Min's transformation highlights that even those deeply entrenched in criminal activities have the capacity for change and positive contribution.

4. Global Cybersecurity Challenges: The story underscores the complexities of international cybercrime, especially in the absence of extradition treaties and the need for global cooperation.

5. Human Impact of Cybercrime: Beyond the technical aspects, the episode emphasizes the profound personal and societal repercussions of identity theft.

This episode of Click Here offers an insightful exploration into the world of cyber intelligence, showcasing the relentless efforts of law enforcement to curb digital crimes and the potential for personal redemption even in the darkest of circumstances.