NEW YORK: Three men were indicted on Monday (local time) for allegedly stealing more than 130 million credit and debit card numbers in what US authorities said they believe is the largest hacking and identity theft case ever prosecuted.

Albert Gonzalez, a former government informant already in jail in connection with hacking cases, and two unnamed Russians were indicted on charges related to five corporate data breaches from 2006 to 2008.

Card numbers were stolen in those breaches from credit-card processor Heartland Payment Systems and retail chains 7-Eleven Inc and Hannaford Brothers Co, prosecutors said.