'Love Bug' suspect finally charged

Criminal charges have been filed against the Philippine student accused of releasing the 'I Love You' virus which attacked email systems across the world on 4 May and caused billions of dollars in damage.

Onel de Guzman, the 23-year-old computer programmer - who now could face up to 20 years in prison - has been waiting to hear if he would be charged since police stormed his apartment on 8 May.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) had been forced to delay charging de Guzman, even though he was the primary suspect, while lawyers studied evidence and appropriate laws with which to make the charges.

The Philippines, until last week, did not have a law covering computer crimes and de Guzman was charged with the more traditional theft and violation mandates. Although de Guzman can not be charged retroactively, President Joseph Estrada has now signed a new law which covers ecommerce and hacking.

De Guzman has acknowledged his role in the "accidental" release of the virus, but according to newswires continues to refuse to disclose his part in its creation.