US, UK isolate seven Russians from notorious ransomware gang

A UK-US campaign to fight international cybercrime has led to the unmasking of seven Russian cybercriminals linked to a notorious ransomware group.

The sanctions were announced on Thursday by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Agency in conjunction with the US Treasury. It follows a lengthy investigation by the British National Crime Agency (NCA) into the criminal group behind the Trickbot malware and the Conti and Ryuk ransomware variants.

The group is behind some of the most damaging ransomware attacks in recent years. The NCA estimates the group is responsible for extorting at least £27 million from 149 UK victims. US Treasury Department press release Refers to malicious cyber activity targeting critical infrastructure, including hospitals and medical facilities in the United States.

The seven designated are now subject to travel bans and asset freezes, and are severely restricted from using the global financial system. NCA says.

According to the US Treasury Department, Russia is a haven for cybercriminals, with groups like Trickbot freely carrying out malicious cyber activities against the US, UK and allies and partners. Current members of the Trickbot team are also said to have ties to Russian intelligence.

“These sanctions are the first of their kind for Britain and show the continued campaign against those responsible for some of the most sophisticated and damaging hostage schemes,” NCA Director General Graeme Bigger said.

US Treasury Secretary of State Brian E Nelson said cybercriminals, particularly those based in Russia, seek to attack critical infrastructure, target US companies and exploit the international financial system.

– He says the US is taking action today alongside the UK because international cooperation is key to tackling Russian cybercrime.

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