Another participant in a scheme to launder funds from cyberattacks in the U.S. and Europe has been detained in Ukraine: what is known
16 April 12:46
Law enforcement officials have detained a member of an international hacking group that stole data from foreign companies and demanded a ransom for it.
This was reported by Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
The suspects caused damages amounting to over $100 million, and the money they received was laundered in Ukraine through the purchase of real estate and luxury goods. Currently, the suspect responsible for money laundering is in custody, and the group’s assets worth over $11 million have been seized.
The investigation established that the hackers used viruses to steal confidential documents. They then “demanded a ransom for their return or for non-disclosure.” The funds were first transferred to crypto wallets and then converted into cash in Ukraine. The scheme’s participants used this money to purchase apartments, houses, and cars.
More than 30 searches were conducted during the investigation. Assets totaling over 80 million hryvnias were seized from the offenders. Among the seized property are $1 million in cash, $8.3 million in cryptocurrency, as well as vehicles and real estate.
The court ordered the detainee to be held in custody as a preventive measure, though he may be released on bail of 399 million hryvnias. Previously, charges in this case were filed against one of the organizers and another participant in the network.
The investigation is ongoing. Other individuals involved are being identified to bring them to justice.
