Security News > 2020 > October > French Court Tries Russian for Multi-Million-Euro Cyberfraud
A Russian goes on trial in Paris Monday accused of having defrauded nearly 200 victims across the world of 135 million euros using ransomware.
In France, many of the victims were local councils, law or insurance firms and small local businesses such as driving schools or pharmacies.
Vinnik, who has denied charges of extortion and money laundering, has refused to answer questions put by investigating magistrates.
Prosecutors identified 20 businesses in six cities across France among the victims and following the money trail through various bank accounts - as much as $8 million - identified one as belonging to Vinnik.
A US indictment accuses Vinnik of 21 charges ranging from identity theft and facilitating drug trafficking to money laundering.