Seven alleged hackers based in the US, UK and Republic of Ireland have been charged with crimes related to computer attacks said to have affected “over one million victims”.

The FBI said that five of the men were involved in the group Lulzsec, while a sixth was a “member” of Antisec.

It said that Lulzsec’s “leader” Hector Xavier Monsegur had pleaded guilty in August to 12 criminal charges.

The BBC understands Mr Monsegur subsequently co-operated with the FBI.

It is believed that this action helped lead to the other accusations.

Source: BBC News