Russian Hacker Jailed

⏱ 2 min read

A Russian cybercriminal, Ilya Angelov, 40, from Tolyatti, Russia, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for managing a botnet that was used to launch ransomware attacks on dozens of US corporations in Michigan and across the US between 2017 and 2021. Angelov, who used online monikers including “milan” and “okart”, co-managed the Russia-based cybercriminal group designated by the FBI as Mario Kart. The group built a network of compromised computers through distribution of malware-infected files attached to spam emails, which were then sold to other criminal groups for ransomware extortion schemes.

The FBI has identified over 70 US corporations that were infected with ransomware by one organization linked to Angelov’s group, resulting in over $14 million in extortion payments. Another group that distributed ransomware paid Angelov’s group over a million dollars for access to the Mario Kart botnet. Angelov was fined $100,000 and a money judgment of $1.6 million was entered against him.

Angelov’s sentence is a significant blow to foreign cybercriminals who target American citizens and corporations. The case highlights the growing sophistication of cybercrime methods, but also the determination of law enforcement agencies to bring perpetrators to justice.

The sentencing of Angelov was announced by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan of the FBI Detroit Field Division. The case was heard by U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Edmunds.