US federal prosecutors are gearing up to charge two Russian men accused of running billion-dollar money-laundering services and to seize websites associated with illicit crypto exchanges. This move is part of a significant crackdown on Russian cybercrime, as reported by multiple sources familiar with the matter.
One of the accused individuals is identified as one of the most enduring professional money-launderers known to US law enforcement. Both men are currently not in US custody, and the State Department has announced a reward of $10 million for any information that leads to their arrest or conviction. Additionally, the Treasury Department is expected to impose sanctions on at least one of the men.
The charges against the two men stem from their alleged involvement in operating “carding” websites that specialize in selling stolen credit and debit card information. These websites have reportedly advertised financial data stolen from millions of Americans. Furthermore, it is claimed that one of the men's services facilitated the flow of millions of dollars in ransomware payments and darknet drug sales through crypto accounts.
This development coincides with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's upcoming meeting with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington, DC. Zelensky is expected to seek increased US support against Russia's aggression towards Ukraine.
In a statement, President Biden hinted at the crackdown on the alleged Russian cybercriminals, mentioning that the US, in collaboration with international partners, has taken action to disrupt a global cryptocurrency network.
