A worker at a New York restaurant has admitted stealing the identities of some of America's richest people to raid their bank accounts.

Abraham Abdallah, 32, used the internet and a magazine rich list to get personal data about more than 200 people, including film director Steven Spielberg and chat show host Oprah Winfrey.

If there's anyone on earth who wants it to stop, I do

Abraham Abdallah

Prosecutors told the Manhattan federal court he tried to steal more than $22m (£14m) but was largely unsuccessful.

Abdallah pleaded guilty to wire fraud, credit card fraud and identity theft in court on Thursday.

He said he did so out of compulsion and wanting to beat the system.

"I wish I could say that this was all about money, then I'd have a reason to explain why I've ruined my life.

"If there's anyone on earth who wants it to stop, I do," he said.

Prosecutors believe Abdallah could be sent to prison for about 11 years.

Crime uncovered

Abdallah used mail boxes, voice mail accounts and the internet to gather social security numbers, addresses, birth dates and even mothers' maiden names.

Oprah Winfrey was one of the celebrity victims

Next to the biographies of the rich and famous in Forbes list of America's 400 richest people, Abdullah scribbled personal information.

He then attempted to raid the bank accounts of the super rich, including Star Wars director George Lucas, former presidential candidate Ross Perot and CNN founder Ted Turner.

But he was discovered when he made an e-mail request to transfer $10m (£6.99m) from a Merrill Lynch account belonging to Thomas Siebel, founder of Siebel Systems.

Spielberg's representative said his client's funds were never violated.

Before pleading guilty Abdallah listed medications he is on for mental illnesses including depression and obsessive-compulsive behaviour.