Recently, a Ukrainian citizen named Yaroslav Vasinskyi, also known as Rabotnik, was sentenced to 13 years and seven months in prison for organizing over 2,500 ransomware attacks and demanding more than $700 million in ransom. This action was part of a larger operation initiated following US President Joe Biden's commitment in November 2021 to take more effective measures against ransomware groups.

This decision came after the hacking of the Miami-based software provider Kaseya and the subsequent demand for a $70 million ransom in Bitcoin by the REvil group. In March 2022, Russian authorities executed a raid on REvil at the request of the US, effectively putting an end to the group's operations.

Justice Minister Merrick B. Garland emphasized the importance of international cooperation in identifying cybercriminals, seizing their illegal gains, and holding them accountable for their actions. Rabotnik, a member of the Sodinokibi or REvil group, was ordered to pay over $16 million in restitution for his involvement in cybercrimes including fraud, damage to protected computers, and money laundering.

The Justice Department seized approximately 40 Bitcoins valued at about $2.3 million and $6.1 million in ransom payments linked to other co-conspirators. Attacks involving Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies are common, with scammers often utilizing mixer services to conceal their illicit gains. However, apprehending criminals like Rabotnik and imposing appropriate penalties is essential for the continued security of the cryptocurrency industry.

The original content can be found at COINTURK NEWS: How Does the US Combat Ransomware Criminals?