'World's hottest hacker' in New York court

Kristina Svechinskaya appeared in court in skin-tight jeans on charges of stealing $46,000 via an internet hacking scheme. Photo / Facebook

Americans fell in love with Anna Chapman, the Russian spy sent home after her spy ring was busted this year.

Even President Barack Obama joked that it wasn't his decision to send her back to Russia.

Now Americans are talking about another Russian underworld stunner, Kristina Svechinskaya, one of 37 people charged this week for their part in an Eastern Europe-based bank-hacking scheme.

It is alleged the group used hacking software to siphon US$3 million ($4 million) from bank accounts belonging to small businesses and individuals.

She appeared in court in New York wearing calf-high boots and skin-tight jeans and cried as she was accused of stealing US$35,000.

US media have dubbed her the 'world's hottest hacker'.

New York Magazine, however, wondered if she could become as big a sensation as Chapman, pointing out that while she had the looks, her name was much more of a mouthful.