From a Traumatic Upbringing to the Original Internet Godfather: The Story of Brett Johnson

💰Brett's early life was marked by a chaotic upbringing, with a mother involved in fraud and a father who tolerated her behavior.

🔒Brett's involvement in cyber crime began with his mother's influence and his interest in testing boundaries and breaking rules.

🏃‍♂️Brett built the first organized cyber crime community, Shadow Crew, which laid the foundation for today's darknet and darknet markets.

⚠️Brett's criminal activities escalated, leading to his placement on the US most wanted list and eventual conviction for 39 felonies.

🔄After serving his time, Brett turned his life around and now helps fight cyber crime, sharing his knowledge and experiences to educate others.

What motivated Brett to get involved in cyber crime?

—Brett's chaotic upbringing, his exposure to his mother's fraudulent activities, and his desire to test boundaries and break rules played a significant role in his involvement in cyber crime.

How did Brett build the first organized cyber crime community, Shadow Crew?

—Brett's knowledge of fraud and his connection to like-minded individuals allowed him to create Shadow Crew, which laid the foundation for the darknet and darknet markets we see today.

Why was Brett considered the original internet godfather?

—Brett's extensive involvement in cyber crime, his influence in the community, and his role in creating the first organized cyber crime community earned him the title of the original internet godfather.

What led to Brett's placement on the US most wanted list and his eventual conviction?

—Brett's criminal activities, including fraud and involvement in cyber crime, caught the attention of law enforcement, resulting in his placement on the US most wanted list and subsequent conviction for 39 felonies.

How has Brett turned his life around after serving his time?

—After his conviction, Brett has dedicated his life to fighting cyber crime. He now uses his knowledge and experiences to educate others and raise awareness about the dangers of the online world.

00:00Brett had a traumatic upbringing, with a mother involved in fraud and a father who tolerated her behavior.

03:15Brett built the first organized cyber crime community, Shadow Crew, which laid the foundation for the darknet and darknet markets.

08:56Brett's criminal activities escalated, leading to his placement on the US most wanted list and eventual conviction for 39 felonies.

10:03After serving his time, Brett turned his life around and now helps fight cyber crime, sharing his knowledge and experiences to educate others.