Three Russian nationals have been accused of scamming Americans in 21 states out of more than $63 million. The alleged scam was conducted through two Russia-based companies, Media Land and ML.Cloud, which provided hosting services and information technology infrastructure for businesses in the US and abroad. The companies allegedly offered "bulletproof hosting" services, which are designed to help clients evade detection by law enforcement. The scam is believed to have been carried out through a range of malicious cyber activities, including the use of malware and ransomware.
The three Russian nationals, Alexander Alexandrovich Volosovik, Kirill Andreevich Zatolokin, and Yulia Vladimirovna Pankova, have been indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit and aid and abet computer fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The indictment was unsealed by the US Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio in December 2024. The US Department of State's Rewards for Justice program is offering up to $10 million for information on foreign government-linked associates of the trio or for affiliates of their companies.
The alleged scam had far-reaching consequences, with victims in 21 states across the US. The organizations targeted by the group's products included banks, schools, government entities, hospitals, and media companies. The US Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, David M. Toepfer, stressed the importance of international collaboration in combating cybercrime, noting that the victims in this case were not only in Ohio but also across the country.
The US authorities have been working with international partners to investigate and disrupt the activities of the alleged scammers. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies have been collaborating with organizations such as the National Police of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom's National Crime Agency to share intelligence and best practices. The FBI's Cleveland Special Agent in Charge, Josh DelManzo, emphasized the importance of global partnerships in combating cybercrime, noting that cyber criminals will stop at nothing to hack, attack, and exploit individuals and companies for their own gain.
The alleged scam highlights the growing threat of cybercrime and the need for individuals and organizations to be vigilant in protecting themselves online. The use of malware, ransomware, and other types of cyber attacks can have devastating consequences, and it is essential that law enforcement agencies and international partners work together to disrupt and dismantle these criminal networks. The US authorities have pledged to continue to aggressively combat the efforts of individuals who seek to profit from cybercrime, and to protect the critical infrastructure that underpins American society.
