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Fraud

US Department of Justice Seizes Over $2.8 Million in Cryptocurrency and Luxury Vehicle as Part of Ransomware Investigation

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As part of a significant investigation into a wide-ranging ransomware attack, the US Department of Justice has unsealed six warrants authorizing the seizure of over $2.8 million in cryptocurrency, $70,000 in cash, and a luxury vehicle. The assets were seized from a cryptocurrency wallet controlled by Ianis Aleksandrovich Antropenko, who is charged with conspiring to commit computer fraud and abuse, computer fraud and abuse, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The indictment alleges that Antropenko and his coconspirators used Zeppelin ransomware to target and attack a wide range of individuals, businesses, and organizations worldwide, including in the United States.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US Department of Justice has seized over $2.8 million in cryptocurrency, $70,000 in cash, and a luxury vehicle as part of a ransomware investigation.
  • Ianis Aleksandrovich Antropenko is charged with conspiring to commit computer fraud and abuse, computer fraud and abuse, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
  • The indictment alleges that Antropenko and his coconspirators used Zeppelin ransomware to attack a wide range of individuals, businesses, and organizations worldwide, including in the United States.
  • The seized assets were laundered in various ways, including through the use of the cryptocurrency mixing service ChipMixer and exchanging cryptocurrency for cash.
  • The investigation is being led by the FBI Dallas and Norfolk Field Offices, with assistance from the Virtual Assets Unit, the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS), and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas.
  • Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cybercriminals and obtained court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.
  • CCIPS and its partners have also disrupted multiple ransomware groups, preventing victims from having to pay over $200 million in ransom payments.

Statistics:

  • $2,800,000: The value of the cryptocurrency seized as part of the investigation.
  • $70,000: The value of the cash seized.
  • 1: The number of luxury vehicle seized.
  • 180: The number of cybercriminals convicted by CCIPS since 2020.
  • $350 million: The amount of victim funds returned through court orders.
  • 2020: The year in which CCIPS began securing convictions of cybercriminals and obtaining court orders for the return of victim funds.
  • $200 million: The amount of ransom payments prevented by CCIPS and its partners.

Sources:

  • Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department's Criminal Division
  • Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson for the Northern District of Texas
  • Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans of the FBI Norfolk Field Office
  • Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the FBI Dallas Field Office
  • Trial Attorney Benjamin Bleiberg of the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS)
  • Assistant U.S. Attorney Jongwoo "Daniel" Chung for the Northern District of Texas
  • Assistant U.S. Attorney Elyse Lyons for the Northern District of Texas
  • CCIPS, Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS)

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