UPDATE: In a significant development today, Artem Stryzhak, a Ukrainian national, has pleaded guilty in Brooklyn Federal Court to his role in a series of global ransomware attacks. This urgent case highlights the increasing threat of cybercrime, as Stryzhak admitted to conspiracy to commit fraud and related computer extortion offenses.
Stryzhak’s arrest took place in Spain in June 2024, and he was extradited to the United States on April 30, 2024. He now faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison. The urgency of this case is amplified by the fact that his alleged accomplice, Volodymyr Tymoshchuk, remains at large, prompting the U.S. Department of State to offer a staggering $11 million reward for information that leads to his arrest or conviction.
The duo reportedly utilized the notorious Nefilim ransomware to infiltrate and encrypt the digital systems of numerous large companies, primarily in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Victims were coerced into paying ransoms under the threat of having their sensitive data leaked on “Corporate Leaks” websites. After breaching corporate networks, attackers meticulously gathered financial and contact information from online databases, as confirmed by the U.S. Attorney’s office.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella praised the collaborative efforts of international and federal law enforcement, including the FBI’s New York Field Office and Spanish authorities, in facilitating Stryzhak’s arrest. This conviction underscores the Office’s commitment to combatting cybercrime and ensuring accountability for those involved.
The hunt for Tymoshchuk, identified as a key administrator of the Nefilim ransomware, continues, as authorities remain on high alert for his whereabouts. The FBI is actively pursuing leads to track down the remaining conspirators. Special Agent in Charge Christopher J.S. Johnson emphasized the agency’s dedication to tracing digital activity across networks and borders to uncover those responsible for these cyber offenses.
As the investigation unfolds, the case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander F. Mindlin and Ellen H. Sise, along with Trial Attorney Brian Mund, are leading the prosecution, supported by Paralegal Specialist Rebecca Roth.
The public is urged to report any information regarding Tymoshchuk or related individuals to the FBI at +1-917-242-1407 or via email at [email protected]. Further details about the State Department’s reward offer can be found on their official website, and tips can also be submitted to local FBI offices in the United States or any U.S. embassy abroad.
As this story develops, the implications of Stryzhak’s guilty plea resonate across the globe, reminding us of the critical importance of cybersecurity in an increasingly digital world. Stay tuned for updates on this urgent situation.
