Teen Accused of 2023 Vegas Casino Cyberattacks Released
A 17-year-old boy accused of participating in the notorious 2023 cyberattacks against two of Las Vegas ’s largest casino operators has been released from juvenile detention to his parents following his initial court appearance. The teenager, whose identity remains confidential due to his age, was brought before Family Court Judge Dee Smart Butler on Wednesday.
The incident in question involved hackers employing vishing—also known as voice phishing—to impersonate employees and infiltrate the internal systems of MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment, both of which are prominent players on the Las Vegas Strip. These cyber intrusions resulted in substantial financial damages, with Caesars reportedly paying a $15 million ransom and MGM losing approximately $110 million, according to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The youth, who prosecutors say is connected to a cybercriminal group known by aliases such as Scattered Spider, Octo Tempest, UNC3944, and 0ktapus, turned himself in on September 17 at the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center. Although he is currently in custody, Judge Butler ordered that he remain under parental supervision in Clark County. His access to electronics and the internet has been heavily restricted, limited solely to school-related activities and only when accompanied by a parent. Prosecutors highlighted that he was just 15 at the time of the alleged offenses.
Prosecutors allege that the suspect played a role in the cyberattacks between August and October 2023, though they chose not to specify the targeted casinos during court proceedings. Clark County’s Chief Deputy District Attorney Summer Clarke pointed out that the suspect might still possess around $1.8 million in bitcoin linked to the attacks, though its whereabouts remain unknown. She emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, “The level of sophistication he possesses and the criminal acts he is capable of cannot be overlooked by this court.” Clarke also noted that the FBI had executed search warrants at the teen’s Illinois residence in both December 2023 and February 2025.
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Defense attorneys David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld argued against continued detention, citing the suspect’s lack of prior criminal record. Judge Butler ultimately agreed with the defense, ordering “intense” supervision and stating that any violation could lead to detention. The teen was accompanied by his parents and grandmother at a temporary residence in Clark County during the hearing.
The juvenile faces multiple serious charges, including three counts of obtaining and using personal identifying information to harm or impersonate others, extortion, conspiracy to commit extortion, and unlawful acts regarding computers. Prosecutors have indicated plans to seek additional charges and to pursue the case as an adult, with a decision expected at a hearing scheduled for November. 2023 Vegas Casino Cyberattacks
