Hacker Weev on Prison Life, Legal Battles, and Launching a Hedge Fund
Andrew “Weev” Auernheimer, the controversial hacker recently released from federal prison, sat down for an exclusive interview to discuss his incarceration, legal battles, and surprising next venture: a hedge fund called TRO LLC (The Troll Company).
From Prison to Freedom: Weev’s Legal Victory
After a federal appeals court reversed his conviction, Weev walked out of Allenwood Federal Correctional Center with characteristic defiance. Despite his newfound freedom, he remains cautious:
“I am pretty stoic about this moment of freedom,” Weev stated. “While the government has consented to dismissal, they reserve the right to try me again in another jurisdiction.”
Life Behind Bars: Solitary and Defiance
Weev’s prison experience was marked by repeated stints in solitary confinement:
“I was placed in solitary because I kept antagonizing the federal government through my words and actions. I don’t take any shit from anybody - including corrections officers.”
The Art of Market Trolling: Weev’s New Venture
Never one to conform, Weev is channeling his notorious reputation into financial markets:
- Launching TRO LLC, a hedge fund specializing in short selling
- Strategy involves exposing technical vulnerabilities in public companies
- Claims his polarizing persona amplifies market impact
“My business model is short equities. I’m here to shift market caps downward by publicizing infrastructure problems,” Weev explained. “The spectacle of my presence causes more impact than my initial actions.”
The Landmark Legal Battle
Weev’s case became a flashpoint in computer crime law:
- Defense team included Tor Ekeland and Marcia Hofmann
- Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) joined at appeal stage
- Case challenged the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA)
“Tor Ekeland is a real trench fighter…I’d still be in prison without him,” Weev acknowledged, while expressing disappointment the case only resulted in a venue verdict.
Advice for Activists in the Digital Age
Weev offered blunt counsel for those challenging the system:
- Consider leaving jurisdictions with oppressive laws
- Never accept plea deals - fight charges at trial
- Understand prosecutors target availability, not just guilt
“They won’t indict you because you’re bad at what you do. They’ll indict you because you’re there,” Weev warned, citing examples like Aaron Swartz and Matthew Keys.
What’s Next for the Notorious Hacker?
With characteristic bravado, Weev is diving into finance while remaining ready for another legal fight:
“I will gladly litigate this matter again to attack the CFAA a second time, even if it means more imprisonment.”
Illustration based on photo by Flickr user Pinguino K under CC BY 2.0 license
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