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Fraud

DOJ Unseals Warrants, Seizes Over $2.8 Million in Cryptocurrency From Ransomware Leader

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Department of Justice unsealed six warrants in US District Courts, authorizing the seizure of over $2.8 million in cryptocurrency, $70,000 in cash, and a luxury vehicle from Ianis Aleksandrovich Antropenko, who is charged with conspiring to commit computer fraud and abuse. Antropenko allegedly used Zeppelin ransomware to target victims worldwide, including in the US, and demanded ransom payments to decrypt data. The seized assets are believed to be proceeds of ransomware activity, laundered through cryptocurrency mixing services and cash deposits.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ianis Aleksandrovich Antropenko is charged with conspiring to commit computer fraud and abuse, computer fraud and abuse, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
  • Antropenko allegedly used Zeppelin ransomware to target individuals, businesses, and organizations worldwide, including in the US.
  • The cryptocurrency and other assets seized are believed to be proceeds of ransomware activity, laundered through cryptocurrency mixing services and cash deposits.
  • ChipMixer, a cryptocurrency mixing service, was taken down in a coordinated international operation in 2023.
  • Antropenko is also believed to have laundered cryptocurrency by exchanging it for cash and depositing the cash in structured cash deposits.
  • The FBI Dallas and Norfolk Field Offices and the Virtual Assets Unit are investigating the case.
  • Trial Attorney Benjamin Bleiberg of the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jongwoo "Daniel" Chung are handling the case.
  • CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cybercriminals and obtained court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds since 2020.
  • CCIPS and its partners have disrupted multiple ransomware groups, preventing victims from paying over $200 million in ransom.

Statistics:

  • Over $2.8 million in cryptocurrency and $70,000 in cash were seized from Ianis Aleksandrovich Antropenko.
  • Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cybercriminals.
  • CCIPS has obtained court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds since 2020.
  • CCIPS and its partners have disrupted multiple ransomware groups, preventing victims from paying over $200 million in ransom.

Sources:

  • United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas
  • Department of Justice
  • FBI Norfolk Field Office
  • FBI Dallas Field Office
  • Virtual Assets Unit
  • Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS)

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