The kingpin of one of the largest known identity theft cases in US history, Albert Gonzalez, 28, Friday pleaded guilty, as expected, to federal charges in Massachusetts and New York. Gonzalez also agreed to forfeit over $2.7 million in compensation, a condo, a car and jewelry. The authorities had already seized cash, computers, a condo and a handgun from Gonzalez - altogether worth over $1.6 million.

Gonzalez, a Miami resident, along with 10 accomplices allegedly made millions by burglarizing computer networks and stealing over 40 million credit card and debit card numbers.

The identity-theft gang was accused in August 2008 of compromising credit card payment systems of retail stores, by installing 'sniffer' programs and 'wardriving' - driving by with a laptop to search unsecured wireless networks - to capture payment data.

Gonzalez, who can be sentenced up to 25 years, was charged on 19 counts of conspiracy, computer fraud, wire fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity larceny pertaining to stealing of payment data from retailers like BJ's Wholesale Club, OfficeMax, TJX Companies, Boston Market, Barnes & Noble, and Sports Authority.

Meanwhile, Gonzalez's pleading guilty to the charges leaves federal judge Patti Saris to work out a way to recompense the victims of the fraud; more so as Gonzalez's assets would be "modest" as compared to the damage done to the victims, including individuals, retailers and banks.