Creepy Photos From Stolen Laptop Lead to Man’s Arrest
- Posted on June 2, 2011 at 1:21am by
Scott Baker
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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The images began arriving in Joshua Kaufman’s inbox. The grainy photos are low-lit and intimate: a man curled up on a couch, sound asleep; the same man propped up against pillows on a bed, shirtless.
Who was this stranger sitting with Kaufman’s stolen laptop?
Kaufman collected the images and took them to police, who did not help him. So he went online, publishing the pictures on Twitter and in a blog titled “This Guy Has My MacBook.”
“People who followed me on Twitter retweeted it. It got picked up by social media and the press. It went super viral,” he said. On the same day that he posted his website on Twitter, police came calling.
Police on Tuesday arrested a 27-year-old cab driver, Muthanna Aldebashi. On Wednesday, Kaufman picked up his laptop from the police.
Kaufman said he was “surprised and amazed” when he began receiving images of the man using his laptop.
Kaufman’s case is the latest example of people, not police, using technological tools to help find their own stolen property such as cars, cell phones and digital cameras.
Kaufman had just moved to a new apartment in Oakland when a burglar broke in, taking the laptop, a bag, an electronic book reader, and a bottle of gin on March 21. He activated theft-tracking software he had installed, which began sending photos taken by the computer’s built-in camera of the unauthorized user three days later.
“I wasn’t sure if it would work because I never tested it before,” he said. Most of the images “were honestly really boring photos — people staring into the screen. But some were definitely more humorous.”
Among them was a screenshot of the man logging onto his Gmail account, which showed an email that appeared to include the name of a business, Kaufman said. A quick Internet search revealed it was a cab company in nearby Berkeley, which Kaufman assumed was the man’s workplace.
Kaufman submitted the information to police, but said they were unwilling to help and didn’t respond to numerous follow-up emails.
“I know a stolen computer is small in the larger scheme but it would be nice to feel like you actually cared,” he tweeted three days after the break-in.
Kaufman said he turned to the Internet because he became “frustrated and thought I should try and get some attention from the media.” He posted some of the photos, including captions such as “I really don’t want to know what this guy is doing with my MacBook” for the image of the shirtless man in bed.
Kaufman said he received a call from Oakland police spokeswoman Holly Joshi on the day he included a link to his blog. Joshi said she first heard about the case after receiving calls from media outlets Tuesday.
“From that point on, they seemed to be on my side completely,” he said of police. “They were apologetic, and they continually told me that they would be doing something about it immediately.”
Joshi blamed the large volume of theft reports Oakland police receive — about 2,400 a month for three theft investigators — and human oversight for the department‘s failure to follow up on Kaufman’s leads.
“It was filed away,” Joshi said. “It had leads, so it shouldn’t have been filed away.”
Police arranged a cab ride from Aldebashi and nabbed him when they recognized his face, according to Kaufman. Aldebashi was being held in an Oakland jail on $20,000 bail, according to the Alameda County sheriff’s office.
The laptop’s return was the culmination of a one-man crusade of online sleuthing, social networking and moments of voyeuristic creepiness aided by the software called Hidden.
The software — part LoJack, part nanny cam — is equipped with location positioning software. A representative for the product’s London-based developer, Flipcode Ltd., did not immediately respond to emails from The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Many portable electronics, including some digital cameras, are now equipped with wireless Internet capability and automatic geographic tagging on any photo taken — a helpful tool when trying to see where a thief has been hanging out. It’s a step beyond the LoJack system invented two decades earlier that emitted a signal from a stolen vehicle.
Joshi said investigators did not know whether Aldebashi burglarized Kaufman’s apartment, noting that stolen merchandise often changes hands. Aldebashi was scheduled to be arraigned Friday.
___
Associated Press writer Robin Hindery contributed to this report.
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Comments (89)
Seabee79
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 8:37amMaybe we should use a little muslim justic on Muthanna Aldebashi. How about we cut off a hand.
Report Post »Just a suggestion.
ron.brown
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:26amI like that idea!
Report Post »Bushie
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 8:26amJust another obama supporter.
Report Post »wtd
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 8:17amThird photo down . . .the image of the perp with his mouth full . . .take a look at the framed image on the wall to the right of the bed in the background. It appears to be Islamic script (perhaps an Indian version – say, bihari) . . .anyone recognize it?
Report Post »americansfightingforcommonsense
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 8:13amWhy can’t we stop these criminals? Where is the so called LAW ENFORCEMENT ? Why won’t they enforce the laws on the books? Why is that the actual victims have to figure out what happened and find the trouble makers? Something stinks in Denmark!!!!!
Report Post »TrueLibertarian
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 8:12amWhy even have police? The Police are more pathetic and useless than the person who stole the laptop.
Report Post »southernORcobra
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 8:05amdisgraceful that the cops wouldn’t help how long before we have to revert to the posse system of justice?
Report Post »hud
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 3:47pmIt’s vigilante not posse. Check out the Bronson vigilante movies he made about 4 of them. Intolerance is the answer, Tolerance has taken our nation to this low ebb. Intolerance will get us out.Don’t allow thieves and aholes with their pants on the ground to walk among us without severe pain. A twenty yr old who can’t dress appropriately should stay home or die (as in too stupid to live in society).
Report Post »OUTRIDER WRITER
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 7:57amAnd to think people were getting taxi rides from this sicko. CHILLING !!!!!!!!
Report Post »Tickdog
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 7:32amso hunt him down and get your stuff back already…
Report Post »Captain Crunch
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 8:22amThat’s what OJ said.
Report Post »Marcia
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 7:28am“From that point on, they seemed to be on my side completely,” he said of police. “They were apologetic, and they continually told me that they would be doing something about it immediately”.
Of COURSE they were completely on his side! They certainly don’t want citizens doing their own sleuthing! Why, that just might put them out of a job! Sarcasm intended.
Report Post »Tomfang
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 7:15amTime to send this guy back to whatever third world toilet he came from.
Report Post »commonsenseguy
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 7:09am3 investigators for around 2,400 reports a month, wow,, what not enough revenue,coming in from welfare recipients.or the unemployed, if you hired more officers to solve cases then you revenue would increase,whit the court cost and fines, o yeah, most or gang bangers an would not pay any ways, only in california, could you be so crime ridden,and not have enough police to sole cases, well, it is the home of the uber left, so okay,steal them blind, they love to help rapist ,robbers and murders ,so to each their own.
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 8:42amI bet the Cali Dept of Revenue Services has plenty of investigators. They need your cash so moonbeam can defend his Illegals.
Report Post »Ceefour
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 7:08amYeah,but he has his seatbelt fastened….can’t be all bad,,,,,,
Report Post »Deane
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 7:46amV C Section 27315 Mandatory Seat Belt Law
(h) Notwithstanding subdivision (a) of Section 42001, a violation of subdivision (d), (e), or (f) is an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than twenty dollars ($20) for a first offense, and a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50) for each subsequent offense. In lieu of the fine and any penalty assessment or court costs, the court, pursuant to Section 42005, may order that a person convicted of a first offense attend a school for traffic violators or another court-approved program in which the proper use of safety belts is demonstrated.
maybe its me but i think he isnt concerned with safty….just staying in the USA and going to his madrasa style mosques
Report Post »teddrunk
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 7:06amHmmm…another non-American looking type. I’m so sick of them.
Report Post »Deane
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 7:39amTry livinig in Dearborn Michigan
Report Post »teddrunk
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 7:43amGawd No, then I’d be a poor Detroit Lions fan. I couldn’t stand the shame.
Report Post »RightUnite
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 6:37amWow! What a dirtbag.
Report Post »Lone Ranger
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 6:30amMaybe THIS guy hacked Wiener??
Report Post »commonsenseguy
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 7:11amyou mean whacked wiener??
Report Post »illuminoddy
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 6:20amHilarious..
Report Post »apple should buy that software and give it as a standard security feature with new products, including phones
Smug
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 6:18amPoor Guy, I hope he sterilized his computer when he got it back. The creepie guy sitting in bed could have been on Martha Stewarts web site looking up recipes, but I kinda doubt it……MSSMUG
Report Post »clockwatcher
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 5:39amHe is a muslim, a member of the religion of peace, mass murder, abuse of women and theft.These dirtbags are trash.
Report Post »avenger
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 6:14amthat’s why I have a CCW and pack a .380(hollow pts.) desert eagle micro… boom-winner…
Report Post »Gump
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 5:07amLayoffs of police officers won’t be the end of the world. I’m almost 60 years old and have never been helped or protected by the police. I have been served a $100 ticket for riding down the road at 2 pm on a sunny day for not having a daytime running headlight working. Virginia State Taliban officer (some people refer to them as Va. State Police) explain that I could get it fixed and go to court and just pay court cost, but since I‘m not a government worker I’m actually expected to come to work and serve and protect our clients I had to pay the full fine plus insurance cost increase.
Report Post »Meyvn
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 5:23amI’m with you Gump. They were always a day late when I really needed them, and were usually just in the right place at the right time when I didn’t.
Report Post »Deane
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 7:31amGosh Gump
Report Post »You got a state taliban police as well huh, my own contention is that most police officers are criminals with badges. In Michigan, you’d be hardpressed to find one good investigator within our state taliban. I too, like Mr Kaufman and yourself have had the pleasure of dealing with lies, desception and just down right ineptitude from our state taliban. If I were as inept as they in their job performance I wouldn’t be receiving lucrative pensions and golden healthcare programs, I’d be looking for work trying to figure out if I could afford Cobra! Nice work Joshua!
PoliticallyAwake
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 4:50amCan’t wait to hear that the thief is suing the victim for invasion of privacy and voyeurism. …and WINS. This is California, ya know.
Report Post »Jim
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 7:09amGood point, it’ll probably happen.
Report Post »sandy21957
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 4:08amHe’s probably sitting in jail screaming about not having a halal menu for his meals and cursing the guards over every little thing………….
Report Post »starman70
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 8:43amHe is also an Obama supporter.
Report Post »sandy21957
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 4:02amIn his culture it is acceptable to steal from Dhimmi. He had nothing in his personal moral fiber against it. Thievery is culturally acceptable. It is what it is.
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 3:06amHahahaha! ROFLMSO!!!
Not only did the thief get busted, but the cops got busted, too!
Report Post »Nothing quite like a man having to do his own detective work and having the media find out that the police department doesn’t care about one of the people who pay their salaries!
ricksaint
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 11:31amDid anyone else read all the way to the end? This man may be innocent. As a cab driver, who barely makes enough money to get by, just look at the shabby apartment, it is very possible that someone else stole the laptop and SOLD it to him while in his cab. He doesn’t look too bright, doesn’t look to have alot of money, if a fare came in and gave him one hell of a deal on a MacBook, he would more than likely take it. Not knowing that just being in possession of stolen goods is a crime.
Report Post »Chuck Stein
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 3:05amToo bad it takes the media to get the police to move on something like this.
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 3:18amI wouldn’t want you to have that “unloved, left-out feeling.” Here’s a juicy one for you, too:
http://www.fourwinds10.com/siterun_data/government/judicial_and_courts/news.php?q=1304557564
Do not know how I have missed finding this site, but, THANK YOU, LORD!
Report Post »Red Max
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 3:04amProof once again that criminals are as dumb as rocks. I’m glad it worked out for Mr. Kaufman.
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 3:09am@Chuck, too ~
Our New Dictator May Be In Deep Trouble…with Chief Justice John Roberts, U.S. Supreme Court.
Source:
Report Post »http://www.fourwinds10.com/siterun_data/government/judicial_and_courts/news.php?q=1286047103
Jediusetheforce
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 3:23amIs this guy an American or another illegal?? What the crap have we let in our country!!!
Report Post »biohazard23
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 3:56amOoooohh, he’s dreamy…… Bleh!!!
Report Post »Shoot-To-Kill
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 6:19amI sure hope they furnish him a prayer rug in jail ! Oh yeah , and a koran
Report Post »ISeeDanger.com
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 6:30amIs that Rep Weiner?
http://www.ISeeDanger.com
Report Post »tvr54
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 8:03am@ Showtime
Report Post »Great link very important to all of us that care about the removal of our rights under this POS president.
americansfightingforcommonsense
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 8:03amI had a similar problem, when teenagers broke into my business and did a lot of damage, while having a party smoking dope and so on. I had great pictures of them from my video surveillance system. The police were called and after a week claimed they had no leads. I personally went out to junior and high schools in the area, until one staff worker at a nearby high school recognized two of the kids. The police took over then and ultimately did nothing to them.
Report Post »The big question is do the police these days know how to do investigations? Are they being told to focus only on violent crimes and not so much on small time criminals? I think so and I also think that is part of the cancer that is destroying our country. When these thugs are left alone and allowed to do whatever they want with little opposition from the authorities, they only get more embolden to try even more crimes. It’s high time we start demanding better from our law enforcement. Nip in the butt early and maybe we have so many criminals out there.
Captain Crunch
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 8:14amNow we know more details about Anthony Weiner.
Report Post »NOTAMUSHROOM
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 8:56amWhy do we let these Muslim pieces of trash in our country? I’d take a hundred mostly honest not gang member illegal Mexicans over one of these violent Mohammedan evil snakes any day. Remember when we were scared of the Russians and Hollywood made James Bond movies about the bad guys? oh yeah right now Hollywood is in bed with the evil ba$tards.
Report Post »NOTAMUSHROOM
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 8:59amCan anyone tell me what the framed picture on the wall says? I bet it’s something like “kill the infidels” or some such warm and fuzzy peaceful quip.
Report Post »s-n-t
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 9:11amTHREE theft investigators for the entire city of Oakland?? Wouldn’t you all love to see the budget line items for the city to see their priorities?
Report Post »TomFerrari
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 10:47amJust a couple miles away in Alameda, police and firefighters stood on dry land and watched for 45 minutes while a man stood in water up to his neck some 100 yards away, and WATCHED as the man died. He died 45 minutes after the police and firefighters began watching. The police and firefighters cited ‘new policy’ wouldn‘t ’let’ them enter the water, claiming the new policy was based on ‘budget cuts’. Meanwhile, a civilian woman arrived on the scene and immediately tried to save the man, but she arrived too late.
REALLY?
This is what the unions do for police and firefighters? Protect them from “having” to be bothered by things like getting wet and having to save people’s lives? After all, they were only following policy. SHEESH!
A police union sponsored billboard in San Francisco shows a boy and asks, “who will protect me?” And asks the public to fight budget cuts. Well, clearly the police and firefighters have taken their stand. I guess they showed us!
This has GOT to stop!!!
Report Post »LetUsReason
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 1:02pm@ NOTAMUSHROOM
The framed calligraphy in the background is definitely Arabic script. Although it’s somewhat out of focus and in a stylized font, the large word in the center appears to say “Muhammad”. The other words are too small for me to read, but my guess is that this is simply a verse from the Quran….most likely the Shahadah, which is the one that talks about there being no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet. According to legend, you say it three times and WHAM!….you’re a Muslim.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 1:36pmI thought this was another Weiner story … (wink)
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 2:09pmIt‘s sad that the police only offered to help when it became public that they wouldn’t help.
Report Post »Once again, I‘m glad I don’t live in California.
doberman
Posted on June 2, 2011 at 4:35pmYea, a real piece of work there! But it makes me wonder who is controlling this technology? ( lefties ) and who is really watching who?
Report Post »silentwatcher
Posted on June 3, 2011 at 1:49amPoor, poor man….looks like he was severly beaten with an ugly stick. oh well.
Report Post »