October 1, 2024 at 11:42AM
Evil Corp, a notorious cybercrime organization, is believed to have had an exceptionally close relationship with the Russian state, which allegedly ordered the group to carry out cyberattacks on NATO members. The group’s leader, Maksim Yakubets, is suspected to have strong ties to the Russian intelligence services, with support from his father-in-law, a former FSB officer.
Based on the meeting notes, the discussion highlights the intricate and extensive relationship between the cybercrime organization Evil Corp and the Russian state. The National Crime Agency (NCA) officials revealed significant details tied to their ongoing investigation:
1. Allegations of orders by Russian intelligence officials for cyberattacks on NATO members, pointing to an exceptionally close relationship between Evil Corp and the Russian state.
2. Confirmation of ties between Evil Corp and Russian intelligence agencies such as FSB, SVR, and GRU, painting a detailed picture of their collaboration and coordination in state-sponsored cyberattacks.
3. The significant role played by Maksim Yakubets, known as a “ringleader” and alleged primary liaison between the state and Evil Corp.
4. Involvement of Yakubets’ father-in-law, Eduard Benderskiy, a former FSB officer with implications of facilitating the privileged relationship between Evil Corp and the state.
5. The indictment of various family members, including Maksim’s brother Artem and suspected involvement of his father Viktor in money laundering activities.
Moreover, it was revealed that Evil Corp extorted over $300 million since its inception in 2014, with victims spanning across more than 40 countries and various sectors.
The detailed account of the meeting notes outlines the intricate dynamics and connections within the cybercrime landscape, shedding light on the close collaboration and mutual benefits between Evil Corp and Russian state actors.