UPDATE: Ukrainian national Artem Stryzhak has just pleaded guilty in Brooklyn Federal Court to a significant role in a global ransomware conspiracy. His admission of guilt, announced today, reveals alarming details about the ongoing threat of cybercrime affecting major companies worldwide.
Stryzhak was extradited from Spain to the United States on April 30, 2024, after his arrest in June 2024. He faces a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years. His co-conspirator, Volodymyr Tymoshchuk, remains at large, with the U.S. Department of State offering a staggering $11 million reward for information leading to his capture.
Court documents highlight the use of the Nefilim ransomware, which Stryzhak and his associates deployed to breach and encrypt the digital systems of numerous corporations predominantly located in the United States, Canada, and Australia. These cybercriminals demanded ransom payments and threatened to expose sensitive data on “Corporate Leaks” websites if their demands were not fulfilled.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, after gaining unauthorized access to company networks, the attackers meticulously researched their targets, gathering financial and contact information from online databases.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella emphasized the collaborative efforts of international law enforcement agencies, including the FBI’s New York Field Office and Spanish authorities, in bringing Stryzhak to justice. He stated, “This conviction reflects our unwavering commitment to holding individuals accountable for cybercrimes.”
The search for Tymoshchuk, identified as a key administrator of the Nefilim ransomware, continues. His current whereabouts remain unknown, prompting the FBI to intensify its investigation. Christopher J.S. Johnson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Springfield, remarked, “We are dedicated to tracing digital activity across networks and international borders to identify those responsible for these crimes.”
The case is being managed by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section, with attorneys Alexander F. Mindlin, Ellen H. Sise, and Brian Mund actively pursuing this high-profile prosecution. Individuals with information regarding Tymoshchuk or related activities are urged to contact the FBI at +1-917-242-1407 or via email at [email protected].
As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, the urgency of addressing these crimes cannot be overstated. Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation unfolds and the hunt for Tymoshchuk intensifies.
