🕵️♂️ Crypto Ransom in Billions: FBI Seeks Ukrainian Hacker, $10M Reward Offered
An international operation involving Ukraine’s cyber police and law enforcement from the EU, USA, and the UK neutralized one of the most dangerous hacker groups in recent years. The criminals had attacked companies worldwide for years, encrypting their servers with ransomware and demanding huge sums in cryptocurrency.
Billion-Dollar Extortion
The hackers used well-known ransomware programs such as LockerGoga, MegaCortex, HIVE, and Dharma. Using these, the criminals blocked access to corporate systems and demanded cryptocurrency for data recovery. Experts estimate that the damage caused by their activities reached billions of dollars.
In just a few years, the group encrypted over a thousand servers of leading companies from France, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, and the USA. Total losses are estimated at more than 3 billion hryvnias.
Arrests and International Manhunt
Some members of the group have already been arrested, others are facing trial, and their assets have been frozen. One foreign citizen sought by the FBI has been extradited to Ukraine.
However, one of the leaders of the criminal network is still at large. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation has announced a reward of up to $10 million for information about his whereabouts. This individual, a Ukrainian citizen, is also listed among the most wanted persons in the European Union.
Investigation Timeline
- Since 2018, the hackers have attacked global companies, causing colossal damage.
- In November 2023, Ukraine’s cyber police, together with the Prosecutor General’s Office and international partners (Europol, Eurojust, law enforcement from the USA, Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, and France), conducted a large-scale operation to dismantle the network.
- In August 2024, the pre-trial investigation against one of the key members was completed. He faces up to 12 years in prison for interfering with information systems, creating malicious software, and extortion.
Full Structure of the Criminal Network
Investigators mapped the entire hierarchy of the group — from malware developers and corporate system hackers to “money launderers” who converted cryptocurrency into fiat and legalized illicit profits.
🌍 International Cooperation
The investigation involves law enforcement agencies from Ukraine, the USA, the UK, Norway, France, and Germany. Authorities emphasize that only joint efforts can effectively combat transnational cybercrime.
Ukraine’s cyber police urge citizens to check information on the official Europol website under the EU Most Wanted section and report any information about the suspect via the online form.
Ukraine’s cyber police urge citizens to check information on the official Europol website under the EU Most Wanted section and report any information about the suspect via the online form.
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