GREENBELT, Maryland – In a stark move against cyber warfare, Amin Timovich Stigal [Амин Тимович Стигал], a 22-year-old Russian national, has been charged with conspiracy to hack into and destroy computer systems and data of Ukrainian government entities. The plot, which aimed to dismantle systems before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, extends its sinister tentacles to include U.S.-based targets.
U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen, and FBI Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno have jointly charged Stigal for his alleged role in the cyberattack campaign, which targeted Ukrainian government systems with no military or defense-related roles.
Barron warned, “Malicious cyber actors who attack our allies should know that we will pursue them to the full extent of the law.” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the Justice Department’s unwavering support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.
The FBI’s DelBagno emphasized the agency’s dedication to combating cyber threats, stating that any adversary seeking to compromise international partners will face severe consequences.
According to the indictment, Stigal conspired with Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff (GRU) to distribute malware known as “WhisperGate” to dozens of Ukrainian government computer systems. This malware was designed not only to infect computers but also to destroy them and their related data.
The attacks, which began in January 2022, compromised multiple Ukrainian government networks, including those for international affairs, state treasury, judiciary administration, digital services, education, agriculture, food safety, energy, and more. The malware was designed to look like ransomware but functioned as a cyberweapon aimed at comprehensive system destruction.
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Key Facts
- State: Maryland
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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