System Administrator Steals 20,000 Pieces of Computer Gear

Perhaps, in one of the most bizarre robberies in the IT industry, Papagno, a system administrator at a US Naval Research Laboratory in Washington DC had stolen close to 20,000 pieces of computer accessories between 1997 and 2007. The stolen property is valued at £80,000.

The truth regarding the thefts came out in the open when his wife filed a domestic violence case against him and he was duly arrested. She mentioned to the police that she wanted Papagno to take out his work stuff out of her house.

Papagno had stolen computer accessories such as hard drives, printers, toners, software, mice, CDs, zip drives and floppy disks including a few PCs. Some of the boxes were stored at his neighbour’s place due to lack of space at his abode.

When reviewed for personal details of employees, contractors and related personnel, it was found that private information pertaining to fourteen employees was recovered from the thief. Any misuse of identity and personal information has been ruled out.

Papagno is set to face prison time up to two years for the thefts. Sentencing will take place in December.

I wonder how the NRL never wondered why they were purchasing that many computer parts. Surprises me, really! It clearly shows the vulnerability of an organization that fails miserably in asset management.