The hammer drops; Ralsky indicted.

One of the world's major spammers, Alan Ralsky, has been indicted in federal court, along with his son-in-law Scott Bradley and nine others. They've been indicted in federal court in Detroit on charges of running an illegal spam operation. Defendants are residents of Michigan, California, Arizona, Russia, Canada, and Hong Kong. According to the Detroit Free Press, he could be facing up to 20 years in prison, plus fines.

Charged are: Alan Ralsky, Scott Bradley, Judy M. Devenow, John S. Bown, William C. Neil, Anki K. Neil, James E. Bragg, James E. Fite, Peter Severa, How Wai John Hui, and Francis A. Tribble.

Charges include stock fraud, conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, and computer fraud. The government is seeking forfeiture of assets worth $2.7 million.

Media coverage:

• Detroit Free Press: Leading Internet spammer indicted
• Dept. of Justice press release: Alan Ralsky, Ten Others, Indicted in International Illegal Spamming and Stock Fraud Scheme
• CNN: Spam's 'poster boy' indicted
  

Ralsky is currently travelling in Europe. No bets as to whether he returns to the U.S. on his own initiative, or is arrested there and extradicted.