November 30, 2024 at 02:42AM
Russian cybercriminal Mikhail Pavlovich Matveev, linked to LockBit and Hive ransomware, has been arrested. He is charged with developing a malware program for encrypting files and demanding ransom. Matveev has been under U.S. indictment since May 2023, facing consequences for his extensive cybercrime activities.
### Meeting Takeaways – Ransomware / Cybercrime Update (Nov 30, 2024)
1. **Arrest of Mikhail Pavlovich Matveev**: A Russian cybercriminal, linked to LockBit and Hive ransomware, has been arrested. He is accused of creating a malware program for file encryption demanding ransoms.
2. **Legal Proceedings**: Matveev’s case has been forwarded to the Central District Court in Kaliningrad after sufficient evidence was collected. He faces charges under Article 273 of the Russian Criminal Code concerning the misuse of computer programs.
3. **U.S. Indictment**: Matveev was indicted by the U.S. government in May 2023 for perpetrating ransomware attacks against numerous victims globally.
4. **Known Aliases**: He operates under various online aliases, including Wazawaka, m1x, Boriselcin, Uhodiransomwar, and Orange.
5. **Public Statements**: Matveev has publicly acknowledged his criminal activities, claiming he enjoys local authorities’ tolerance as long as he is loyal to Russia.
6. **U.S. Sanctions**: He has been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury and is subject to a $10 million reward for information leading to his arrest or conviction.
7. **Cybercrime Leadership**: Reports indicate he has led a team of six penetration testers for conducting ransomware attacks. He has affiliations with several ransomware groups including Conti, LockBit, Hive, Trigona, NoEscape, and previously held a management role with Babuk.
8. **Related Developments**: This arrest follows the sentencing of four members of the defunct REvil group in Russia for hacking and money laundering charges.
### Conclusion
The arrest of Matveev represents a significant development in the ongoing fight against ransomware and cybercrime, underscoring international law enforcement’s focus on apprehending individuals involved in high-profile cybercriminal activities.