In short:
Michael Clapsis is accused of setting up fake free wi-fi networks in an attempt to steal personal data from users.
He was arrested after concerns were raised by a domestic airline, with police alleging airports were among the locations targeted.
What’s next?
Mr Clapsis has been released on strict bail conditions and is expected to appear in court again in August.
A Perth man has been released on strict bail conditions after appearing in court accused of starting up “evil twin” wi-fi networks, to get the personal details of users at multiple locations, including airports across Australia.
Michael Clapsis was arrested last month after staff from a domestic airline reported concerns about a suspicious wi-fi network they had identified during a domestic flight.
That led to an investigation by Australian Federal Police (AFP) who searched Mr Clapisis’s luggage when he returned to Perth on a flight from interstate in April.
In a statement, the AFP said a number of electronic devices were seized from his hand luggage and after they were examined, Mr Clapsis was arrested and charged with seven offences.
Users lured in by free ‘twin’ networks
The AFP alleges Mr Clapsis used a portable wireless access device to create free wi-fi networks, which were used at “multiple locations” to lure people into using the services.
The AFP said when people tried to connect their devices to the free networks, they were taken to a fake website which required them to log in using their email or social media accounts.
It will be alleged the details were saved by Mr Clapsis and then could have been used to access more of the users’ personal information, including stored images and bank details.
The AFP statement said cybercrime investigators had identified data on the seized devices relating to the use of the allegedly fake wi-fi access, at airports in Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide, on domestic flights and at locations linked to Mr Clapsis’s previous employment.
The charges he is facing include three counts of unauthorised impairment of electronic communication and three counts of possession or control of data with intent to commit a serious offence.
Mr Clapsis was not required to plead to any of the charges when he appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court on Friday and was released on $20,000 bail with a similar surety.
The bail conditions include him having to to surrender his passport, live at a specified address and only being allowed to use the internet and social media for personal matters relating to him and his family.
Mr Clapsis is due back in court in August.
