Cyberpolice exposed transnational criminal group in causing $120 million in damages to foreign companies
Using software such as ransomware, the defendants carried out attacks on more than 50 companies in Europe and America. The group managed to stop the criminal activity in the course of an international police operation. Violators can face up to 12 years in prison for this crime.
The criminal offense was exposed by employees of the Cyber Police Department together with the Main Investigation Department of the National Police, representatives of the Prosecutor General's Office, with the involvement of colleagues from Europol, Eurojust, law enforcement officers of the Republic of France, the United States, the Netherlands and Norway.
The attackers carried out ransomware attacks on companies in Europe and America. A cryptocurrency ransom was demanded to restore access to the encrypted data. The defendants gained control of the companies' computer systems by exploiting their vulnerabilities.
The group consisted of 11 people. Two of them carried out direct distribution of malware, part of them supported the operation of servers and helped withdraw money obtained illegally.
The damage caused to the victim reaches 120 million dollars. Among the victims are companies from France, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States.
With the involvement of the special unit TOR of the patrol police, 28 searches were carried out on the places of residence of the defendants and in their cars. Searches took place in the city of Kiev, Kiev, Volyn, Ternopil, Kharkiv, Zaporizhia and Donetsk regions.
At the same time, a search was carried out in Switzerland at the residence of an accomplice of the group.
According to the results, computer equipment, hard drives, mobile phones, bank cards, cars were removed.
Criminal proceedings under Part 2 of Art. 361 (Unauthorized interference in the operation of computers, automated systems, computer networks or telecommunication networks), part 4 of Art. 189 (Requisition), per Art. 209 (Legalization (laundering) of property obtained by criminal means) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Those involved may face up to twelve years in prison with confiscation of property. Investigative actions continue.
Cyber Police Department of the National Police of Ukraine
