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Latvian Cybercriminal Nabbed: FBI Takes Down Karakurt Ransomware Mastermind
Karakurt ransomware member Deniss Zolotarjovs, aka “Sforza_cesarini,” faces U.S. charges for extortion, wire fraud, and money laundering. The FBI linked him to $1.55 million in ransom payments.
Hot Take:
Well, it looks like Karakurt’s “Sforza_cesarini” just found himself in an American courtroom instead of a medieval Italian opera. Note to cybercriminals: maybe stick to less traceable hobbies, like extreme ironing.
Key Points:
- Deniss Zolotarjovs, a Latvian national residing in Moscow, charged with money laundering, wire fraud, and extortion.
- Linked to Karakurt ransomware group, mainly involved in data extortion without using encryption tools.
- Zolotarjovs was arrested in Georgia, Eastern Europe, and extradited to the U.S.
- FBI tied him to at least six extortion cases, including a ransom payment over $1.3 million.
- Authorities warn victims not to pay Karakurt ransoms as data would likely still be sold.
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