Ukrainian authorities, in a joint operation with internal security units, have arrested a member of an international cybercrime syndicate wanted by the FBI. The suspect, living under a forged identity in Uzhhorod, is linked to fraud and money laundering causing over $100 million in losses across the U.S. and Europe. During the arrest, officials seized approximately $11 million in assets, including around $3 million in cryptocurrency.
Ukrainian police have arrested a suspect wanted by the FBI as part of an international cybercrime network. The arrest in the Transcarpathia region followed a joint operation involving the National Police of Ukraine and other security units.
Officials stated the man was living in Uzhhorod using a fake identity with forged documents. “He issued fictitious documents about his own death and continued to live in Ukraine as a “new” person, using false documents,” prosecutors said.
The syndicate used malicious software to harvest personal and corporate data for extortion. Victims in the U.S. and Europe were demanded payments, often in cryptocurrency, for the return of stolen material.
Authorities seized assets worth approximately $11 million, including cash, real estate, vehicles, and cryptocurrency valued at around $3 million. Investigators noted major discrepancies between the declared income and actual assets of the suspect’s associates.
The financial trail helped reconstruct the money laundering network and confirm the operation’s scale. Two additional accomplices linked to the laundering operation have also been identified and charged.
The suspect faces Ukrainian charges for document forgery and money laundering. His alleged accomplices remain in custody.
Earlier this year, Ukraine, the United States, and Germany uncovered another transnational hacking group. Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko said the group attacked at least 11 American corporations, causing an estimated $1.5 million in damage.
The group comprised more than 20 members, including seven based in Ukraine. Authorities conducted searches, seizing computers, phones, cash, and documents from Ukrainian suspects.
