Washington – A Ukrainian national, Oleksii Oleksiyovych Lytvynenko, 43, from Cork, Ireland, faced his first appearance in the Middle District of Tennessee today, charged with conspiracy to deploy Conti ransomware. The malware variant infected computers and networks, encrypting data since around 2020.
Court documents reveal that Lytvynenko conspired with others to target over 1,000 victims globally, including numerous locations in Tennessee. They allegedly extorted more than $500,000 in cryptocurrency and published stolen information from a victim in the Middle District.
Conti ransomware has been linked to at least $150 million in ransom payments worldwide as of January 2022. The FBI identifies it as a major threat to critical infrastructure. Lytvynenko is accused of controlling stolen data and deploying ransom notes on victims’ systems.
Lytvynenko was apprehended by An Garda Síochána in July 2023, following which he was detained pending extradition. He had been involved in cybercrime activities up until his arrest. The Department of Justice’s Criminal Division is determined to hold ransomware actors accountable for their widespread damage.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti emphasized the threat ransomware poses to American citizens and businesses, highlighting the Department’s global pursuit of such criminals. Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney, praised the efforts of prosecutors and investigators in this long-running investigation.
Lytvynenko faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on charges of computer fraud conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy. An indictment against four other conspirators was also unsealed in September 2023. The FBI’s Nashville, San Diego, and El Paso field offices are leading the investigation alongside the U.S. Secret Service.
RELATED: Ukrainian Fighter Convicted in Double Homicide & Armed Robbery of Florida Couple
RELATED: Armenian Ransomware Kingpin Faces Federal Charges
Related Federal Cases
- Ukrainian Conspirator Extradited for Conti Ransomware Attacks · Washington
- FDIC Appoints Five New Members to Advisory Committee on Community Banking · Mississippi
- Live Nation Faces Trial Over Monopoly Practices · Washington
- Amgen Pays $71M for Pushing Drugs Off-Label · Washington
- Amgen Inc. $71M Settlement · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Cybercrime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
