Related Federal Cases
- George S. James, Wire Fraud, Georgia 2024 · Illinois
- Gabryele Watson, Cyberstalking, Georgia 2024 · Washington
- Pirate App Ring Members, App-Based Prostitution, Georgia 2024 · Washington
- Pirate App Ring Member, Android App Piracy, Georgia 2023 · Michigan
- Georgia Woman Pleads Guilty to Damaging Protected Computer · New York
Faramarz Shahi Savandi, Ransomware Attack, Georgia 2018
ATLANTA – In a shocking turn of events, a federal grand jury in Atlanta has returned an indictment charging Faramarz Shahi Savandi and Mohammed Mehdi Shah Mansouri with committing a sophisticated ransomware attack on the City of Atlanta in March 2018 in violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
According to the indictment and other information presented in court, the defendants, both Iranian nationals, caused the execution of a ‘ransomware’ attack against the City of Atlanta, which encrypted vital city computer systems and demanded a ransom payment to restore access.
The attack was executed by the use of a type of malware referred to as ‘SamSam Ransomware,’ which infected approximately 3,789 computers belonging to the City of Atlanta, including servers and workstations. Once deployed, the ransomware encrypted the files associated with each infected computer and displayed a ransom note.
The ransom note demanded 0.8 Bitcoin to decrypt each affected computer or six Bitcoin to decrypt all affected computers. The attackers gave the City of Atlanta the option of paying to decrypt certain computers or to decrypt all the infected computers.
In the days following the attack, the webpage that purportedly contained the decryption key became inaccessible, and the City of Atlanta did not pay the ransom. The attack significantly disrupted City of Atlanta operations, impaired certain government functions, and disrupted the community.
U.S. Attorney Byung J. ‘BJay’ Pak stated, ‘In March 2018, a devastating ransomware attack interrupted City of Atlanta government functions and disrupted our community. This indictment vindicates the City of Atlanta’s interest in ensuring that those responsible for the attacks face justice here as well.’
The Secret Service’s Kimberly A. Cheatle, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Office, added, ‘This investigation and subsequent indictment demonstrates the Secret Service’s commitment to safeguarding our financial institutions, our communities, our homeland.’
Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Category: Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
