Cyberpolice exposed Ukrainian hacker in carrying out virus attacks on more than 100 foreign companies
The hacker distributed malware to encrypt data and carried out attacks on foreign companies. The victims suffered more than $150 million in damages. It was possible to identify the hacker during an international police operation.
Within the framework of an international special operation of the Cyber Police Department together with the Main Investigation Department of the National Police, representatives of the Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office, with the involvement of colleagues from Interpol and Europol, law enforcement officers of the Republic of France and the United States, a 25-year-old hacker was exposed in the spread of the cipher virus.
Viral software got into the technology of corporations by hacking the program for remote work of the user with the computer (server), as well as through spam mailings to corporate email mailboxes of emails with malicious content.
In total, the hacker carried out attacks on more than 100 foreign companies in North America and European countries. Among the victims are well-known world energy and tourism companies, as well as technology developers. To restore access to the encrypted data, the hacker demanded a ransom. The damage caused to the victim reaches 150 million dollars.
As law enforcement officers established, the man had an accomplice who helped withdraw money obtained by criminal means.
With the involvement of the special unit TOR of the patrol police, searches were carried out at the place of residence of the accused and in the homes of his relatives. According to the results, computer equipment, mobile phones, vehicles and more than 360 thousand dollars in cash were seized. In addition, 1.3 million dollars are blocked on the attacker's crypto wallets.
Criminal proceedings under Part 2 of Art. 361 (Unauthorized interference in the operation of computers, automated systems, computer networks or telecommunication networks), part 3 of Art. 209 (Legalization (laundering) of property obtained by criminal means) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. A man may face up to twelve years in prison with confiscation of property. Investigative actions continue.
Cyber Police Department of the National Police of Ukraine
