Yaroslav Vasinskyi, a Ukrainian hacker, has been sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for his involvement in thousands of ransomware crimes, including the infamous Kaseya cyberattack of 2021. The 24-year-old was sentenced to 13 years and seven months in prison and ordered to pay over $16 million in restitution.
Federal prosecutors accused him of orchestrating 2,500 ransomware attacks, including the assault on U.S.-based software company Kaseya during a period marked by significant cyber threats against private entities and critical infrastructure in the United States.
Vasinskyi, identified as an affiliate of the REvil cybercriminal organization, also known as Sodinokibi, was alleged to be the mastermind behind the ransomware deployed in the Kaseya attack. The impact of the attack was substantial, affecting approximately 1,500 businesses, prompting President Joe Biden to mobilize government resources for the investigation.
Ukrainian Hacker Involved in Kaseya Ransomware Attack Receives 13-Year Sentence (Credits: CNN)
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized the global scope of Vasinskyi’s operations, stating that he demanded hundreds of millions of dollars from U.S. victims through the REvil ransomware variant.
The prosecution’s efforts underscored the Justice Department’s commitment to combating cybercrime on an international scale. Attorney General Merrick Garland, in announcing Vasinskyi’s indictment in November 2021, highlighted the personal involvement of the hacker in installing ransomware on the networks of U.S.-based companies. Vasinskyi’s arrest in Poland and subsequent extradition to the United States demonstrated the collaborative efforts to bring cybercriminals to justice across borders.
In the Northern District of Texas, Vasinskyi pleaded guilty to an 11-count indictment, admitting to various offenses, including conspiracy to commit fraud, damage to protected computers, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The case serves as a significant milestone in the fight against cybercrime, showcasing the effectiveness of international cooperation in disrupting criminal networks and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
