The person at the center of this case
Multiple computer systems and their owners (victims of ransomware attacks)
Justice for Multiple computer systems and their owners (victims of ransomware attacks) — the trail went cold in 2023, but the truth hasn't.
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What is Ryzhenkov's current location and operational status in Russia?
How many victims were targeted by BitPaymer ransomware attacks attributed to Ryzhenkov?
What is the nature and extent of Ryzhenkov's relationship with Maksim Yakubets (AQUA)?
Aleksandr Ryzhenkov is a Russian cybercriminal wanted by the FBI for deploying BitPaymer ransomware against multiple computer systems and extorting victims through cryptocurrency payments. Operating as an associate of notorious cybercriminal Maksim Yakubets, Ryzhenkov allegedly coordinated sophisticated attacks that encrypted victims' data and demanded ransom via virtual currency addresses. A federal arrest warrant was issued in March 2023, but Ryzhenkov remains at large, believed to be hiding in Russia, making this case a significant international cybercrime investigation.
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Can cryptocurrency transaction records identify payment flows from ransomware victims?
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Official wording
Conspiracy to Commit Fraud and Related Activity in Connection with Computers; Intentional Damage to a Protected Computer; Transmitting a Demand in Relation to Damaging a Protected Computer; Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering Caution: Aleksandr Ryzhenkov is wanted for his alleged involvement in ransomware attacks and money laundering activities. It is alleged that, through the use and deployment of BitPaymer ransomware, Ryzhenkov left electronic notes in the form of a text file on victims’ computers.
The notes included email addresses for the victims and provided a virtual currency address to use to pay the ransom. Ryzhenkov is known to be a close associate of Maksim Yakubets , aka “AQUA”, an alleged Russian cyber criminal.
On March 22, 2023, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Ryzhenkov in the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, Dallas, Texas, after he was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Fraud and Related Activity in Connection with Computers; Intentional Damage to a Protected Computer; Transmitting a Demand in Relation to Damaging a Protected Computer; and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Remarks: Ryzhenkov is believed to reside in Russia, possibly Moscow.
A federal arrest warrant was issued for Aleksandr Ryzhenkov in the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, Dallas, Texas for conspiracy to commit fraud, intentional damage to protected computers, transmitting ransom demands, and money laundering conspiracy.