NASA Investigating First-Ever Alleged Crime Committed In Space
Cyber crime allegedly committed from above earth's atmosphere
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The first-ever crime has reportedly been committed in space and NASA are investigating, according to reports.
The space agency is investigating an allegation that an astronaut accessed her estranged spouse's bank account while she was in the International Space Station floating above earth's atmosphere.
According to The New York Times, Anne McClain informed investigators she had accessed the bank account from space while she was on a six-month assignment.
But even McClain admitted to accessing the bank account; she dismissed any claims of misconduct.
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The claim is now being reported as the first allegations of a crime committed in space in history.
A complaint was filed by McClain's spouse, Summer Worde, a former Air Force intelligence officer.
Worde filed the complaint with the Federal Trade Commission that McClain had committed identity theft.
Although the complaint was filed, she did not see that any money had been moved from the account.
McClain's lawyer Rusty Hardin said the NASA employee was worried about the family's finance, particularly financial support for Worden's son.
The couple had been raising their son before they had split up.
Hardin said McClain used the password to the account to monitor the funds while they were together.
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"She strenuously denies that she did anything improper," Hardin said while emphasizing that McClain was "totally co-operating."
Worden's parents filed a second complaint to NASA's Office, alleging that McClain improperly accessed private financial records.
They claimed she attempts to manage a "highly calculated and manipulative campaign" to gain custody of Worden’s son.
"I was pretty appalled that she would go that far," Worden told the Times.
"I knew it was not OK."
Worden said the FTC is yet to respond to his complaint.
McClain and Worden married in 2014 but separated in 2018 after McClain accused Worden of assault.
According to The Times, NASA’s inspector general's office has talked to both women.
But McClain asserted in an interview with the office under oath that "she is only continuing the behavior that Worden had approved to handle the family’s finances."
