Russian Authorities Arrest 'Wazawaka' Hacker Mikhail Matveev for Extortion Malware
Russian authorities have arrested Mikhail Matveev, also known by his cyber aliases 'Wazawaka' and 'Boriselcin'. The 32-year-old hacker is accused of creating malware used for extortion, with charges brought against him in December 2023.
Matveev, who has admitted to his arrest, has paid two fines and had his cryptocurrency seized. He is currently out on bail pending trial. The Russian interior ministry charged him with violating domestic laws against malicious software creation and use.
Matveev, who claimed to adhere to a rule of not targeting Russian citizens or companies, is alleged to have worked with multiple ransomware gangs. He is said to have extorted hundreds of millions of dollars from various entities. His arrest follows a string of charges against other alleged ransomware actors this year, including members of the REvil group and operators of the Sugarlocker program.
Cyber intelligence firm Intel 471 has suggested that Matveev's arrest could be a money-making scheme, citing the opacity and corruption potential in Russia's court system.
Mikhail Matveev, known for his 'Wazawaka' and 'Boriselcin' aliases, faces charges for creating malware used in extortion. His arrest adds to Russia's efforts this year to crack down on ransomware actors. The outcome of his trial remains uncertain due to the country's legal system.
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