Glasgow grad to be extradited to US for hacking the FBI, NASA and the army

Lauri Love is accused of doing ‘millions of dollars’ worth of damage


Glasgow Uni graduate Lauri Love is to be extradited to the United States where he is accused of computer hacking offences.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd has authorised the extradition. Love, who lives in Suffolk, was alleged to have stolen a significant amount of data from US agencies such as the army, NASA and the FBI. He “could face 99 years in prison” for his offences

A campaign, Free Lauri, was launched by the Courage Foundation, and a letter calling to block Lauri’s extradition has been signed by over 100 MPs.

Lauri Love is to be extradited to the US. Credit: Glasgow Live

Love, who has Asperger syndrome, carried out the online offences in 2012 and 2013. US authorities have been pushing for the hacker to face charges of cyber-hacking.

The 31-year-old is said to have placed hidden “backdoors” within networks to enable him to steal confidential data. It is said this amounts to “millions of dollars” worth of damage. If convicted, Love could be sentenced for up to 99 years.

A Home Office spokesman said: “On Monday 14 November, the Secretary of State, having carefully considered all relevant matters, signed an order for Lauri Love’s extradition to the United States.

“Mr Love has been charged with various computer hacking offences which included targeting US military and federal government agencies.”

Love also suffers from depression and there are fears his health may deteriorate as far as suicide if he is sentenced to jail in the US.

Responding to the announcement, Love’s father told the Press Association: “It was going to happen – it was inevitable – but it’s still painful. I cannot begin to express how much sorrow it causes me.

“All we are asking for is British justice for a British citizen.”

MPs have since signed a petition calling on Obama to block the extradition.

Barry Sheerman, the Labour MP for Huddersfield said: “We are still keeping up the pressure. We are getting more and more MPs to sign the letter to President Obama.

“The pressure continues, we won’t give up.”