Feds shut down 'rogue' Internet provider

A "rogue" ISP that recruited and hosted known distributors of child pornography, spam and phishing attacks was ordered shut down by a judge at the request of the Federal Trade Commission. In its 35-page memorandum supporting the request for a restraining order, FTC lawyers noted a criminal probe also is underway.

Pricewert LLC, also known by names including 3FN and APS Telecom, actively sought criminals to use its services. "The defendant advertised its services in the darkest corners of the Internet, including a forum established to facilitate communication between criminals," the FTC said. The company, which has data centers in the U.S., appears to be based in Belize.