Russian Ransomware Suspect Indicted and Offered $10 Million Bounty by US Authorities

On October 19, 2021, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the indictment of a Russian national, Evgeniy Bogachev, for his alleged involvement in a series of ransomware attacks that targeted US businesses and government agencies. Bogachev, who is also known by the online moniker “lucky12345,” is believed to be the leader of a cybercriminal group called “Evil Corp.”

The DOJ’s indictment charges Bogachev with conspiracy to commit computer fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. According to the indictment, Bogachev and his co-conspirators used malware known as “Zeus” and “Bugat” to steal banking credentials and other sensitive information from victims’ computers. They then used this information to steal millions of dollars from victims’ bank accounts.

In addition to the indictment, the US government has also offered a $10 million bounty for information leading to Bogachev’s arrest and conviction. This is one of the largest bounties ever offered by the US government for a cybercriminal.

The DOJ’s announcement comes as ransomware attacks continue to pose a significant threat to businesses and governments around the world. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key. These attacks can be devastating for businesses, causing them to lose access to critical data and systems.

The US government has been stepping up its efforts to combat ransomware in recent months. In June 2021, President Biden signed an executive order aimed at improving the nation’s cybersecurity defenses. The order included measures such as requiring federal agencies to use multi-factor authentication and encryption, and establishing a cybersecurity safety review board.

The DOJ’s indictment and bounty offer are part of this broader effort to combat cybercrime. By targeting high-profile cybercriminals like Bogachev, the US government hopes to send a message that cybercrime will not be tolerated.

However, it remains to be seen whether the bounty offer will be effective in bringing Bogachev to justice. He is believed to be living in Russia, which does not have an extradition treaty with the US. This means that even if he is arrested, it may be difficult to bring him to trial in the US.

In conclusion, the indictment and bounty offer for Evgeniy Bogachev are significant developments in the fight against ransomware and cybercrime. While it may be difficult to bring Bogachev to justice, the US government’s actions send a clear message that cybercriminals will be held accountable for their actions. As ransomware attacks continue to pose a threat to businesses and governments, it is important for individuals and organizations to take steps to protect themselves from these types of attacks. This includes implementing strong cybersecurity measures such as multi-factor authentication, encryption, and regular backups of critical data.

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• Source: https://zephyrnet.com/us-offers-10m-bounty-for-russian-ransomware-suspect-outed-in-indictment/