First, they got caught because they brought their phones. The phones gave the Feds their subscriber accounts, which also matched a vehicle registered to one of them that was visible from a distance on a CCTV.

But the big question was always *why*? Was this some form of domestic terrorism? Some coordinated activity? What on Earth could it be?

Turns out (at least this time) it's simple burglary. They cut the power by attacking the substations, and then went to a local business, drilled out a lock, and stole from a cash register.

@Pwnallthethings I feel like I should offer consulting services for crime. I don't even have any crime experience but I could help a lot.

@Pwnallthethings so two free tips:
1. don't bring your cell phone, even if it is off
2. if you attack a power substation it should be to facilitate at least 2 million in profit

@jackmott @Pwnallthethings I’m glad they were caught but it’s unfortunate that the cell phone tactics used to catch them is made public. And the same goes for how Ukraine is locating Russians via cell phone tracking. Hate to see bad people get smarter on how to not get caught.

@odinshorror @jackmott @Pwnallthethings I think I read that Bin Laden was eventually identified because of cell phone tracking. Or at least it really helped in the confirmation of the location in Pakistan. He had evidently been pretty diligent in making sure no one around him used the cell phones. Until he wasn’t.