Tag: justice department
16 articles
ATF Breach Exposes Investigation Targets in Ransomware Attack
A recent ransomware attack has compromised a standalone ATF computer system, exposing sensitive information about targets of ongoing investigations. The breach was quickly contained, as the affected system was isolated from the rest of the ATF's networks and shut down immediately.
US Hands Down Record 77-Year Sentence to Nihilistic Extremist Leader
The US has delivered a crushing blow to violent extremist groups with a record 77-year sentence handed down to Kyle William Spitze, a 27-year-old leader who preyed on vulnerable children to further his twisted ideology. This landmark case sends a clear message: federal law enforcement will relentlessly pursue and prosecute those who exploit and harm innocent lives.
Ransom Cartel creator gets 16 years for cybercrime scheme
A 40-year-old Belarusian cybercriminal has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for masterminding a massive ransomware scheme that targeted at least 18 companies and attempted to extort a staggering $5.2 million. The defendant, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy and identity theft charges, was a longtime fixture on Russian-speaking cybercrime forums before his arrest and extradition.
Ransomware Kingpin Silnikau Gets 16 Years in Prison
In a major win for cybersecurity, Maksim Silnikau, the mastermind behind the notorious Ransom Cartel ransomware operation, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for his role in wreaking havoc on victims worldwide. The Belarusian national was brought to justice through a collaborative effort between US and Polish authorities.
Ghanaian National Jailed for Stealing $10M in Romance Scams
Meet Derrick Van Yeboah, a 41-year-old Ghanaian national who was sentenced to nearly 7 years in prison for masterminding romance scams that swindled $10 million from unsuspecting victims, leaving a trail of heartbreak and financial ruin in his wake. As a "sakawa boy," Van Yeboah expertly impersonated romantic partners online, exploiting trust and vulnerability with devastating consequences.
Illinois Hacker Sentenced for Exploiting Snapchat Accounts
A 26-year-old Illinois man, Kyle Svara, has been sentenced to 76 months in prison for hacking over 750 Snapchat accounts, using social engineering tactics to phish access codes and trading stolen images online. He'll also face three years of supervised release after serving his time.
Armenian National Pleads Guilty to Ryuk Ransomware Conspiracy
Karen Serobovich Vardanyan, an Armenian national, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges for his role in a massive Ryuk ransomware scheme that raked in over $15 million in ransom payments from US-based organizations. The guilty plea marks a major win in the fight against cybercrime, as Vardanyan admitted to his part in the global extortion plot.
Ransomware Negotiator Sentenced for Duping Clients in $75.3 Million Extortion Scheme
A trusted ransomware negotiator turned double agent, Angelo Martino betrayed his clients, funneling their confidential info to BlackCat affiliates and lining his pockets with a share of their ransoms, leaving a trail of devastated businesses in his wake. His deceit raked in $75.3 million for him and his co-conspirators.
Violent Extremist Sentenced for Exploiting Children in 764 Network
A 19-year-old San Antonio man, Alexis Aldair Chavez, has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for leading a violent extremist group that exploited children, a heinous crime that showcases the dark heart of such nihilistic organizations. Chavez, who used aliases "Zack" and "Zack8884," will also pay $10,000 in restitution and face lifetime supervision.
Amazon Fined $2.25M for Withholding Fraud Evidence
Amazon has been fined $2.25 million for allegedly blocking identity-theft victims from accessing records of fraudulent transactions, violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The company reportedly told some consumers that they couldn't access the requested records, adding to the frustration of those trying to recover from scams.
US Seizes Infrastructure Tied to Huione Cybercrime Marketplace
The US Justice Department has seized a crucial cloud computing account linked to Huione Group, a key player in a massive cybercrime operation that funneled billions in stolen funds through Southeast Asian scam centers. This significant takedown disrupted the technological backbone that allowed the illicit money to be transferred, moved, and concealed.
FBI Disrupts Online Child Abuse Ring Linked to Violent Extremist Collective
The feds have taken down a predator, arresting a Tennessee man linked to a violent extremist collective for exploiting vulnerable children online. Zachary Sweeney, 30, faces up to 50 years in prison for his heinous crimes, including sexual exploitation and distributing child abuse material.
Contractor Convicted for Destroying Dozens of Federal Databases
A contractor's reckless actions led to the destruction of dozens of federal databases, showcasing a staggering disregard for the security and integrity of sensitive government information. After being terminated on February 18, 2025, the contractor and his twin brother intentionally caused chaos by accessing computers without authorization and deleting crucial data.
Cybersecurity Experts Imprisoned for Ransomware Extortion Scheme
Two American cybersecurity experts, Ryan Goldberg and Kevin Martin, have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a brazen 2023 ransomware campaign that targeted companies across the United States. Their crimes have brought to light the severe consequences of cyberattacks and the importance of protecting businesses from such threats.
Ex-Incident Responders Sentenced for Ransomware Extortion Scheme
Two former cybersecurity pros, Ryan Clifford Goldberg and Kevin Tyler Martin, have been sentenced to four years in prison for using their specialized knowledge to orchestrate a string of devastating ransomware attacks, extorting victims instead of protecting them. The pair, who once worked in incident response, now face the consequences of their crimes.
Former Ransomware Negotiator Pleads Guilty to Aiding BlackCat Cyber Gang
A former ransomware negotiator turned rogue, Angelo Martino has pleaded guilty to aiding the notorious BlackCat cyber gang, betraying his employer and the industry he was meant to serve. By secretly collaborating with BlackCat, Martino launched devastating ransomware attacks, causing harm to innocent victims and lining his own pockets.