US Seizes $24M in Crypto Linked to Qakbot Malware Developer
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is making moves in the fight against cybercrime. They’ve filed a civil forfeiture complaint targeting Rustam Rafailevich Gallyamov, a Russian national accused of being the mastermind behind the Qakbot malware. The DOJ aims to seize over $24 million in cryptocurrency allegedly tied to his activities. This action highlights the ongoing efforts to combat cybercriminals and recover ill-gotten gains, especially in the realm of cryptocurrency.
The Charges Against Gallyamov
According to a DOJ announcement, Gallyamov, 48, faces federal indictment. He is accused of developing the Qakbot botnet, a type of malware that can infect computers and be used for various malicious purposes. Matthew Galeotti, head of the DOJ’s criminal division, emphasized the department’s commitment to holding cybercriminals accountable and using all available legal tools to disrupt their activities. As reported by Cointelegraph, the DOJ is determined to identify, charge, and seize the assets of those involved in cybercrime.
Seizing the Assets
US Attorney Bill Essayli stated that the charges and forfeiture case are part of an ongoing effort to target cybercriminals. The DOJ aims to seize assets to compensate victims of these crimes. The forfeiture action targets over $24 million in virtual assets. Akil Davis of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office noted that while Qakbot was crippled in 2023, Gallyamov allegedly continued to find ways to deploy his malware.
Qakbot’s Role in Ransomware Attacks
Gallyamov’s alleged involvement with Qakbot dates back to 2008. By 2019, he is accused of using it to infect numerous computers, creating a botnet. Access to these infected computers was then sold to others, who used them to spread ransomware, including Prolock, Dopplepaymer, and others. In 2023, an international operation disrupted the Qakbot botnet, seizing over 170 Bitcoin (BTC) and over $4 million in USDt (USDT) and USDC stablecoins from Gallyamov. Despite this, he allegedly continued his activities, adopting new techniques like directly deploying Black Basta and Cactus ransomware.
Conclusion
The DOJ’s actions against Gallyamov demonstrate a clear commitment to cracking down on cybercrime and recovering digital assets obtained through illegal activities. This case highlights the global effort to combat malware and ransomware attacks, and the increasing focus on cryptocurrency as a target for seizure in such investigations. This is particularly relevant in the context of ongoing discussions about crypto regulation.
Disclaimer
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