Security News > 2022 > January > Russia starts playing by the rules: FSB busts 14 REvil ransomware suspects

Russia's internal security agency said today it had dismantled the REvil ransomware gang's networks and raided its operators' homes following arrests yesterday in Ukraine.

Only yesterday five ransomware suspects were arrested in Ukraine, though their gang affiliations were not revealed by local police.

Maybe few expected Russia to arrest ransomware gang members before today.

"The most interesting thing about these arrests is the timing. For years, Russian government policy on cybercriminals has been less than proactive to say the least - so such action needs to be evaluated in the wider geopolitical context. With Russia and the US currently at the diplomatic table, these arrests are likely part of a far wider, multi-layered, political negotiation."

REvil has been one of the most notorious ransomware gangs in history.

Money stolen by ransomware gangs was spent in Russia, with gang members flaunting their ill-gotten wealth through flash cars, homes, and consumer goods.

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2022/01/14/russia_revil_ransomware_gang_charged/