Cyber Fugitive Tops EU Most Wanted

Europol has announced the addition of a Ukrainian national to the EU Most Wanted list for his alleged involvement in major ransomware attacks. This suspect is believed to be a key figure in a criminal network responsible for the 2019 cyber assault on a major Norwegian aluminium company, among other global attacks. A reward of up to USD 10 million is being offered by the U.S. Department of Justice for information leading to his arrest.

The identification of the suspect is the result of a detailed international investigation, supported by Europol, that has exposed a ransomware network causing billions in damages worldwide. This effort has seen the collaboration of investigators from France, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with Europol and Eurojust. Multiple arrests have been made in Ukraine as a part of the ongoing crackdown on the network.

The fugitive allegedly used the LockerGoga ransomware in his attacks. Law enforcement agencies have mapped the network’s structure, identifying roles from malware developers to money launderers. Europol continues to support the hunt for the suspect and encourages the public to consult the EU Most Wanted website for further details.

The European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) emphasizes the importance of this case, as it aligns with their efforts to combat organized and serious international crime within the EU. EMPACT facilitates cooperation between national authorities, EU institutions, and international partners, operating in four-year cycles to address common crime priorities.