DOJ Moves to Forfeit $2.4M in Bitcoin Seized by FBI in Crypto Crime Crackdown

U.S. authorities aim to forfeit over $2.4 million in bitcoin linked to a major ransomware syndicate, targeting illicit crypto proceeds through aggressive civil enforcement action. DOJ Pursues Bitcoin Linked to Ransomware Ring in Civil Filing Worth $2.4M The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on July 28 that it has filed a civil forfeiture complaint … Read more

US Extradites Russia-Israel Citizen Linked to Lockbit Attacks

A Lockbit ransomware developer has been extradited to the U.S., admitting to coding and consulting for the cybercriminal group, which paid him in cryptocurrency. Lockbit Ransomware Developer Extradited to US in Global Crackdown The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on March 14 that Rostislav Panev, a dual Russian and Israeli citizen, has been extradited … Read more

New UK Cybersecurity Proposals Aim to End Ransomware Payments in Public Sector

The UK government has unveiled groundbreaking proposals to combat ransomware attacks, focusing on safeguarding critical infrastructure such as hospitals, public services, and transportation networks. These measures aim to diminish the financial appeal of ransomware by banning all public sector entities, including the NHS and local councils, from making ransom payments. This ban extends current restrictions … Read more

Ransomware’s Mastermind Faces Justice: DOJ Targets Global Cybercrime Operation

A Russian ransomware kingpin extradited from South Korea to the U.S. faces charges for orchestrating the $16 million Phobos malware targeting global critical infrastructure. Justice Catches Up: The Fall of a Ransomware Kingpin The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Monday that Evgenii Ptitsyn, a 42-year-old Russian national, has been extradited from South Korea to … Read more

Crypto On/Off Ramp Discloses Breach, Says 1.14% of Users Affected

Transak, a cryptocurrency on/off-ramp service, confirmed on Oct. 21 that experienced a data breach affecting 1.14% of its users. A ransomware group claimed to have obtained sensitive data but Transak confirmed only limited information was accessed. The company said it is taking steps to address the incident and has contacted affected users and relevant authorities. … Read more

4 Arrests, Sanctions Follow Global Operation Against Lockbit Group

Europol and multiple countries have taken a significant step against the notorious Lockbit ransomware group with four key arrests and international sanctions. A collaborative effort between France, the UK, and Spain led to the detainment of critical individuals, including a developer and a hosting administrator. The operation is part of a larger international crackdown known … Read more

US Authorities Bust Billion-Dollar Crypto Laundering Network, Charge 2 Russians

Two Russian nationals have been charged with running a massive money laundering network that processed billions through cryptocurrency exchanges, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced. These exchanges, including Cryptex and Joker’s Stash, enabled criminals to bypass regulations and funnel funds from fraud, ransomware, and darknet activities. U.S. authorities, in collaboration with international law enforcement, … Read more