Mikhail Matveiev is accused of using ransomware such as LockBit, Babuk and Hive to extort at least $200 million from Russia, according to the US Department of Justice.
It would have “encrypted and taken hostage the data of numerous victims, in particular from hospitals, schools, associations and police officers” such as the one in Washington, declared the New Jersey federal prosecutor, Philip Sellinger.
$10 million for whoever turns it in, 20 years for the offender
“Wazawaka”, “m1x” or “Boriselcin” would have been some of their false names. Ransomware access vulnerable computer systems to encrypt or steal data. The hackers then ask for payment under the threat of not decrypting this information or publishing it.
The State Department offered a $10 million reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction. If he is captured, Matveiev could be sentenced to more than 20 years in prison.
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