Romanian Ransomware Kingpin Gets 20 Years: Crime Doesn’t Byte!
Romanian man Daniel Christian Hulea was sentenced to 20 years for his role in NetWalker ransomware attacks. After extradition to the U.S., he pleaded guilty to computer fraud conspiracy. Hulea must also pay nearly $15 million in restitution and forfeit $21.5 million worth of bitcoins obtained from his cyber exploits.
Hot Take:
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But when life gives you ransomware, make a prison sentence! Daniel Christian Hulea, the Romanian cyber Robin Hood (without the giving back to the poor part), has learned the hard way that crime doesn’t pay… unless you count the millions in ransom, luxury resorts, and Bitcoin. But hey, at least he won’t have to worry about surfing the dark web from a luxury resort any time soon. It’s safe to say that Hulea’s vacation plans are now on a permanent pause. Bon voyage!
Key Points:
- Daniel Christian Hulea received a 20-year prison sentence for his role in NetWalker ransomware attacks.
- Hulea was extradited from Romania to the U.S. after his arrest in July 2023.
- He admitted to obtaining approximately 1,595 bitcoins, worth around $21.5 million at the time of ransom payments.
- He must pay nearly $15 million in restitution and forfeit $21.5 million, plus interests in an Indonesian company and luxury resort property.
- NetWalker was a Ransomware-as-a-Service operation that netted millions before its demise.