Russian Basketball Star Arrested Over Ransomware Attacks on 900+ Companies

A prominent Russian basketball player has been arrested in France on charges related to one of the most extensive ransomware operations in recent years, highlighting the ongoing intersection between cybercrime and international law enforcement.

Daniil Kasatkin, a 26-year-old professional basketball player who recently played for Moscow’s MBA-MAI team, was detained at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport on June 21, 2025, following an extradition request from the United States.

The Alleged Cybercrime Network

According to U.S. authorities, Kasatkin is suspected of participating in a sophisticated ransomware network that targeted approximately 900 companies between 2020 and 2022.

The criminal organization allegedly attacked various private enterprises as well as two federal establishments, though the total financial damage has not been disclosed by investigators.

The scale of the operation represents one of the more significant ransomware campaigns prosecuted by American authorities in recent years.

The charges against Kasatkin include conspiracy to commit computer fraud and conspiracy to engage in computer fraud.

U.S. prosecutors allege that his specific role within the network involved negotiating ransom payments with victims, essentially serving as an intermediary between the cybercriminals and their targets.

This type of specialization within ransomware operations has become increasingly common as these criminal enterprises have evolved into sophisticated business models.

Kasatkin’s legal team has mounted a vigorous defense, with his attorney Frédéric Bélot characterizing the charges as a case of mistaken identity.

According to the defense, Kasatkin purchased a used computer and became an unwitting victim of the scheme rather than a participant.

Bélot emphasized his client’s limited technical expertise, stating that Kasatkin lacks the computer skills necessary to install applications, let alone orchestrate complex cyberattacks.

The basketball player has been held in extradition custody since June 23, with French authorities denying his request for bail despite offers of judicial supervision and financial guarantees.

His attorney has expressed concern about the impact of imprisonment on Kasatkin’s physical condition, noting that his weight has dropped from 95 kilograms to 89 kilograms due to inadequate exercise facilities and the stress of detention.

The arrest has effectively ended Kasatkin’s immediate basketball career. MBA-MAI announced on July 3 that he was leaving the club after four years, during which he played 172 matches and earned two bronze medals in the Russian Cup.

The player had previously competed in European basketball championships representing Russia’s youth teams.

The case underscores the global reach of cybercrime investigations and the challenges faced by international law enforcement in pursuing ransomware operations.

As authorities continue to investigate the network’s activities, Kasatkin’s case represents a significant test of international cooperation in combating cybercrime while raising questions about the intersection of sports and criminal justice.

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