August 2, 2024 at 04:36AM
Two Russian cybercrime prisoners were exchanged by Belarus, Germany, Norway, Russia, Slovenia, and the U.S., as part of a historic deal involving 16 individuals. Notable figures released include Roman Valerevich Seleznev, convicted of payment card fraud, and Vladislav Klyushin, owner of a security firm involved in an insider-trading scheme. Additionally, the U.K. National Crime Agency shut down a fraud platform allowing anonymous calls.
Key takeaways from the meeting notes:
– In a historic prisoner exchange involving Belarus, Germany, Norway, Russia, Slovenia, and the U.S., two Russian nationals, Roman Valerevich Seleznev and Vladislav Klyushin, were freed and repatriated to Russia in exchange for the release of 16 individuals from detention in various countries, including political prisoners.
– U.S. President Joe Biden referred to the deal as a “feat of diplomacy,” acknowledging the unjust detention of some individuals for years. Poland and Turkey were also involved in the swap.
– Among the released individuals are former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Vladimir Kara-Murza, and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva.
– Seleznev, also known by several aliases, was sentenced to a total of 41 years in prison for payment card fraud and cyber fraud ring involvement.
– Klyushin, the owner of a security penetration testing firm, was sentenced for stealing confidential financial information in an insider-trading scheme.
– National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan highlighted the unprecedented nature of the exchange involving multiple countries and close U.S. partners and allies.
– The U.K. National Crime Agency (NCA) announced the shutdown of a fraud platform called Russian Coms, allowing customers to make anonymous calls by masquerading as banks and law enforcement agencies. Three individuals linked to the platform have been arrested and released on conditional bail.
These are the key points from the meeting notes regarding cybercrime/hacking news and recent developments in international prisoner exchanges and criminal investigations.