A Ukrainian national, Yaroslav Vasinskyi, has been sentenced to 13 years and seven months in prison.
Vasinskyi, known in the cyber underworld as Rabotnik, was also ordered to pay over $16 million in restitution for his role in orchestrating more than 2,500 ransomware attacks worldwide, demanding over $700 million in ransom payments.
A Global Threat Neutralized
Yaroslav Vasinskyi’s criminal activities spanned across the globe, targeting thousands of computers with the notorious Sodinokibi/REvil ransomware variant.
This malicious software encrypted data on victim computers, enabling Vasinskyi and his co-conspirators to demand ransom payments in cryptocurrency.
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In a bid to force victims into paying, they threatened to disclose sensitive data publicly.
The Justice Department’s swift action underscores a significant victory against international cybercrime, demonstrating the effectiveness of global cooperation in the digital age.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the department’s commitment to using all available tools to identify, prosecute, and dismantle the networks of cybercriminals.
“As this sentencing shows, the Justice Department is working with our international partners and using all tools at our disposal to identify cybercriminals, capture their illicit profits, and hold them accountable for their crimes,” Garland stated.
International Collaboration and Justice
The case against Vasinskyi showcases the extensive international collaboration between the U.S. Justice Department, the FBI, and foreign law enforcement agencies.
Vasinskyi’s extradition from Poland to the United States marked a pivotal moment in the case, facilitated by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and Polish authorities.
FBI Director Christopher Wray highlighted the relentless pursuit of cybercriminals, regardless of their location.
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“Today, the FBI’s close collaboration with our worldwide partners has again ensured that a cybercriminal who thought he was beyond our reach faces the consequences of his actions,” Wray remarked.
This case is a stern warning to cybercriminals targeting U.S. victims that law enforcement agencies are equipped and determined to bring them to justice.
In addition to the prison sentence and restitution, the Department of Justice has successfully obtained the final forfeiture of millions of dollars worth of ransom payments, including 39.89138522 Bitcoin and $6.1 million in U.S. dollar funds.
These funds were traceable to ransom payments received by members of the conspiracy, further crippling the financial infrastructure supporting international cybercrime.
The sentencing of Yaroslav Vasinskyi is a testament to the global commitment to combating cyber threats and protecting citizens and businesses from the devastating impacts of ransomware attacks.
It sends a clear message to cybercriminals everywhere: the international law enforcement community stands united and resolute in its mission to dismantle criminal enterprises and ensure justice is served.
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