Ethical Hacking News
European authorities have detained five suspects, including a former professional basketball player, in connection with ransomware syndicates linked to crippling cyberattacks across Europe. The arrests mark a significant escalation in the global response to these evolving threats.
Daniil Kasatkin, a former Russian professional basketball player, was detained by French authorities on June 21. Kasatkin is wanted for alleged ransomware attacks, including 900 breaches, and faces extradition to the US. UK authorities arrested four individuals in connection with separate ransomware operations targeting prominent companies. The suspects allegedly used impersonation and phishing tactics to trick call centers into granting them access to their networks.
In a recent crackdown on ransomware syndicates responsible for crippling cyberattacks across Europe, authorities have detained five individuals, including a former Russian professional basketball player. The arrests were made in connection with crime syndicates linked to ransomware attacks that have left numerous organizations reeling.
The first suspect to be identified is Daniil Kasatkin, a 26-year-old former professional basketball player who played for MBA Moscow and briefly for Penn State University during the 2018-2019 season. Kasatkin was detained by French authorities on June 21 at Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport while traveling with his fiancée. The arrest came at a significant juncture in their relationship, as Kasatkin had just proposed to his partner.
US authorities later requested Kasatkin's extradition due to allegations that he negotiated ransom payments for organizations hacked by an unnamed ransomware syndicate responsible for 900 breaches. According to US prosecutors, Kasatkin is wanted for "conspiracy to commit computer fraud" and "computer fraud conspiracy." However, Kasatkin's attorney maintains his client's innocence, stating that Kasatkin bought a second-hand computer without touching or installing any applications on it, which could have been hacked or sold under another person's identity.
The extradition process is ongoing for Kasatkin. Meanwhile, authorities in the UK arrested four individuals in connection with separate and unrelated ransomware operations targeting prominent companies like M&S, Co-op, Harrods, MGM Resorts, and Caesars Entertainment.
UK National Crime Agency officials revealed that three men and one woman were apprehended as part of an investigation into recent ransomware attacks. The suspects allegedly used impersonation and phishing tactics to trick call centers and company help desks into granting them access to their networks.
In a separate twist, two of the arrested 19-year-old suspects were identified by KrebsOnSecurity as participants in the 2023 ransomware attacks that crippled MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment. Another suspect was identified as a core member of LAPSUS$, a group of teenagers involved in an attack spree that breached networks belonging to Microsoft, Okta, Nvidia, Globant, Rockstar Games, Samsung, T-Mobile, and Uber.
The arrests mark a significant escalation in the global response to ransomware syndicates, highlighting the evolving nature of cyber threats. As law enforcement agencies continue to adapt to these emerging threats, cooperation between nations is becoming increasingly crucial in combating such crimes.
The world has witnessed a surge in high-profile ransomware attacks targeting major corporations and institutions over the past few years. Authorities worldwide are now working more closely together to combat these syndicates and bring those responsible to justice. The recent arrests underscore this growing commitment to protecting individuals and organizations from the devastating impact of cyberattacks.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/European-Authorities-Crack-Down-on-Ransomware-Syndicates-Detain-Former-Basketball-Player-and-Four-Youth-Suspects-ehn.shtml
https://arstechnica.com/security/2025/07/pro-basketball-player-and-4-youths-arrested-in-connection-to-ransomware-crimes/
Published: Thu Jul 10 18:55:13 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
