⏱ 2 min read
Angelo Martino, a 41-year-old ransomware negotiator from Land O’Lakes, Florida, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for conspiring with Blackcat/ALPHV actors to extort multiple US victims. Martino, who was hired to help victims negotiate with ransomware gangs, instead betrayed their trust by feeding their confidential negotiating positions to the gangs, driving up ransoms and enriching himself. The scheme took place in 2023, with Martino working with other former cybersecurity professionals to attack additional victims.
Martino’s role in the conspiracy was to provide the ransomware gangs with sensitive information about the victims, allowing them to demand higher ransoms. His actions caused significant harm to the victims, with some businesses nearly being destroyed. The Department of Justice was able to identify and prosecute Martino, resulting in a sentence that reflects the severity of his crimes.
The case against Martino was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from other law enforcement partners. The investigation resulted in the seizure of over $10 million in criminal proceeds. The sentence sends a clear message that the Department of Justice will pursue and prosecute cybercriminals, including those who enable and facilitate ransomware attacks.
The FBI and other law enforcement agencies are committed to finding and holding accountable those who betray the trust of their clients and enable cybercrime. Martino’s sentence is a significant step in the ongoing effort to combat ransomware and other forms of cybercrime.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Cybercrime
- Defendant: Cybercrime
- Location: US
- Source: DOJ Press Release
