A U.S. court sentenced Latvian hacker Deniss Zolotarjovs to over eight years in prison for ransomware attacks. The Justice Department accused him of working for the Russian ransomware gang Karakurt, led by former Akira and Conti leaders, who were sanctioned by the U.S. for links to Russian intelligence.
Prosecutors said Karakurt targeted U.S. entities, disrupting 911 systems and stealing children’s health information. Zolotarjovs escalated pressure on victims who resisted. Prosecutors highlighted Karakurt’s use of Russian government databases and law enforcement ties, underscoring Russian state-cybercriminal links.
Security researchers accuse Russia of shielding ransomware gangs and hackers from Western law enforcement, noting Russia has become a “safe haven” for cybercriminals. The DOJ noted Karakurt’s corruption fueled Russian government ties, allowing leaders to avoid taxes and pay bribes for military service exemptions.
The Russian Foreign Ministry did not comment. The DOJ stated Karakurt targeted over 54 companies, with victims paying at least $15 million in ransoms. The gang doesn’t appear active, as operations sometimes change names or ownership to evade sanctions.
Zolotarjovs was arrested in Georgia in 2023 and extradited to the U.S. in August 2024, later pleading guilty.