A SOFTWARE developer had denied making programmes which bypass computer computer security and selling them on to criminals.

More than a dozen officers from the National Crime Agency had raided Goncalo Esteves’ home in Cape Close, Colchester, on November 15.

He appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday charged with one count of carrying out an unauthorised act to impair the operation of a computer and three counts making or supplying articles to impair the operation of a computer.

Esteves, 23, also faces one count of money laundering.

He denies all charges.

Ian Allen, prosecuting, said: “It is alleged he has developed computer software services, which although they do possess a legitimate use, are instead being used in crime.

“He has allegedly been selling this not to commercial enterprises but to the general public and on a forum authorities believe to be used by criminals.

“The money laundering allegation concerns profit he was made from the sales some $16,000.

“My understanding is he has developed a means of bypassing security on computers and other devices and exposes the user to the risk of other persons accessing informations which can then be sold off or used in another criminal way.”

Caroline Woodley, defending said: “There are legitimate uses not least to provide better anti-virus software - some companies use it to test their programmes.

“He has a contract with his customers not to use his programmes for criminal purposes and those who do are blocked.”

Magistrates confirmed they did not have sufficient powers to deal with the case.

Esteves will appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on April 25 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

He was granted unconditional bail.

The National Crime Agency has been working on the investigation alongside Trend Micro which is a global security software company founded in California with headquarters in Tokyo.