November 29, 2023 at 11:17AM
Europol arrested a 32-year-old leader of a Ukrainian ransomware gang, suspected of global extortion. After searching 30 properties and seizing devices, four other suspects were detained. This gang, linked to major corporate attacks using various ransomwares, extorted millions and is part of an ongoing investigation with future arrests expected.
Meeting Takeaways:
1. A 32-year-old individual, believed to be the leader of a Ukrainian ransomware affiliate gang, was arrested by European cyber-police last week.
2. Searches were conducted at 30 properties across Kyiv, Cherkasy, Rivne, and Vinnytsia, leading to the location and arrest of the suspect.
3. Over 20 international investigators came to Kyiv to support the operation.
4. Along with the gang leader, four other individuals were seized in various parts of Ukraine; their nationalities are currently undisclosed.
5. The apprehensions were part of a continued effort, following 12 prior arrests in Ukraine and Switzerland in 2021.
6. The unnamed ransomware gang is accused of extorting hundreds of millions of euros and compromising over a thousand servers in 71 countries.
7. The cybercriminal group, specializing in targeting large corporations, utilized varieties of ransomware such as LockerGoga, MegaCortex, Hive, and Dharma in their attacks.
8. Authorities seized multiple technological devices during the operations.
9. A Europol spokesperson has indicated that further information will be provided later, as the operation is active and more arrests are anticipated.