Fun

FBI Seizes Bitcoin Worth More Than $2.2 Million From Ransomware Affiliate

News Feed - 2021-12-04 12:12:57

FBI Seizes Bitcoin Worth More Than $2.2 Million From Ransomware Affiliate


The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has seized bitcoin worth more than $2.2 million tied to ransomware payments. The cryptocurrency allegedly belongs to an affiliate of Gandcrab and Revil/Sodinokibi ransomware. US Seizes Bitcoin Worth Over $2 Million


The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has seized almost 40 bitcoins from a Russian resident tied to Revil and Gandcrab ransomware, according to a court document unsealed Tuesday. The forfeiture complaint reads: The United States of America files this verified complaint in rem against 39.89138522 bitcoin seized from Exodus wallet … that is now located and in the custody and management of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Dallas Division.


At the time of writing, the price of bitcoin is around $56,318.06 based on data from Bitcoin.com Markets. The amount seized totals almost $2.247 million.


The seizure took place on Aug. 3. While the FBI did not reveal how it gained access to the wallet, the court document explains that the wallet contained Revil ransom payments belonging to an affiliate identified as Aleksandr Sikerin (aka Alexander Sikerin and Oleksandr Sikerin), whose email address is engfog1337@gmail.com.


According to Bleeping Computer, the name “engfog” in the email address is tied to a well-known Gandcrab and Revil/Sodinokibi affiliate known as “Lalartu.”


Gandcrab and Revil organizations operated as Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), where core operators partner with third-party hackers, known as affiliates, the news outlet noted, adding that ransom payments are split between the affiliate and core operators. The operators usually earn between 20% and 30% of the ransom.


Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it had seized $6.1 million from Yevgeniy Polyanin, a Russian “charged with deploying Sodinokibi/Revil ransomware to attack businesses and government entities in the United States.”


Meanwhile, the U.S. government has been increasing its efforts to fight ransomware attacks. The Treasury Department has already sanctioned two cryptocurrency exchanges tied to ransom payments. Tags in this story FBI, fbi seizes bitcoin, fbi seizes crypto, fbi seizes cryptocurrency, Seized bitcoin, seized btc


What do you think about the FBI seizing bitcoin tied to ransomware attacks? Let us know in the comments section below. British Security Think Tank"s Report Warns NFTs Could Bolster Money Laundering Schemes NEWS | 7 hours ago Elizabeth Warren Queries Bitcoin Mining Operation, US Senator Says Crypto Miners Raise Environmental Concerns NEWS | 9 hours ago


Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons Previous articleBritish Security Think Tank’s Report Warns NFTs Could Bolster Money Laundering Schemes Next articleBinance Names Three Nigerian Reality TV Show Celebrities as African Ambassadors Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article. Read disclaimerShow comments More Popular NewsIn Case You Missed It2021 Crypto Literacy Report Suggests 96% of Americans Fail to Comprehend Basic Crypto Knowledge


A recent study suggests that 99% of people from Mexico and Brazil and 96% of Americans fail to grasp the basic concepts of cryptocurrencies. Out of all the survey respondents aware of bitcoin, 17% in the U.S., 15% in Brazil, ... read more.Crypto Stamp Crashes Swiss Post’s Online Store With Launch Day Demand Tanzanian Central Bank Preparing for CBDC to Ensure Country Is Not Left Behind Kevin O"Leary on SEC v Ripple Lawsuit Over XRP: "I Have Zero Interest in Investing in Litigation Against SEC" El Salvador Buys 100 More Bitcoins Amid Crypto Sell-Offs and New Covid-19 Variant Scare

News Feed

Ciaran Lyons2 hours agoUS ‘dominates’ crypto startup funding in Q2: ReportUnited States-based crypto startups attracted 45% of all venture capital funding invested in the crypto industry, followed by the United Kingd
The Number of Euro-Pegged Stablecoins Has Swelled 1,683% Since 2020
The Number of Euro-Pegged Stablecoins Has Swelled 1,683% Since 2020 While the stablecoin economy is worth roughly $153 billion today, euro-backed stablecoin issuance has increased
Bank of Spain Governor Warns About Traditional Banking’s Exposure to Crypto Assets
Bank of Spain Governor Warns About Traditional Banking"s Exposure to Crypto Assets The Governor of the Bank of Spain has alerted the public about the risks mixing traditional banks
Ethereum ETFs start strong but lag epic Bitcoin ETF launch — Analysts
Alex O’Donnell4 hours agoEthereum ETFs start strong but lag epic Bitcoin ETF launch — AnalystsAnalysts worry ETH will prove a harder sell than BTC to traditional investors.1246 Total views5 Total sharesListen to arti
Cardano (ADA) At A Crossroads As Fibonacci Level Indicates Potential Fall To $0.42
Reason to trust Strict editorial policy that focuses on accuracy, relevance, and impartiality Created by industry experts and meticulously reviewed The highest standards in reporting and pu
Bitcoin, Ethereum Technical Analysis: Bitcoin Climbs Above $47,000, as ETH Consolidates at Key Resistance Level
Bitcoin, Ethereum Technical Analysis: Bitcoin Climbs Above $47,000, as ETH Consolidates at Key Resistance Level Bitcoin was back in the green during Tuesday’s session, as th
Ray Salmond3 hours agoBitcoin short-term holders capitulate as data highlights potential generational buying opportunityBitcoin’s current price action leaves much to be desired, but multiple indicators point to what co
Amaka Nwaokocha12 hours agoBinance faces calls for ban by Nigerian Bureau De Change associationGwadabe reportedly emphasized that Binance trading has increasingly established itself as a central point for both the Invest
EU elections 2024: Pro-crypto parties pick up seats amid Green losses
Veronika Rinecker10 hours agoEU elections 2024: Pro-crypto parties pick up seats amid Green lossesThe European elections have caused a stir, but several pro-crypto or crypto-supportive parties have gained seats.560 Total
US House Committee to Investigate and Hold Bipartisan Hearing on FTX Collapse
US House Committee to Investigate and Hold Bipartisan Hearing on FTX Collapse The U.S. House Financial Services Committee is planning to investigate the FTX collapse, according to
Martin Young3 hours agoFormer OpenSea manager withdraws application for bail pending appealThe attorneys representing Nathaniel Chastain informed the court that Chastain will self-surrender on Nov. 2 to begin serving his
Rebase Token Carnage: OHM, TIME, KLIMA Down More Than 98% From All-Time Highs
Rebase Token Carnage: OHM, TIME, KLIMA Down More Than 98% From All-Time Highs About four months ago, four of the top rebase tokens by market valuation were worth close to $8 billio