Russia’s Cybercrime Domination: $500M in Crypto Ransomware Revealed
Russian-speaking threat actors dominated the ransomware scene last year, raking in over $500 million. According to TRM Labs, these digital bandits are responsible for 69% of all crypto proceeds linked to ransomware. Meanwhile, North Korea leads the charge in outright crypto theft, swiping over a billion dollars in 2023 alone.
Hot Take:
Looks like Russian hackers decided to make “crypto” their national sport. With stats like these, they might as well start their own ransomware Olympics—gold medals for everyone!
Key Points:
- Russian-speaking cybercriminals account for 69% of all crypto proceeds linked to ransomware in the past year, exceeding $500 million.
- North Korea leads in cryptocurrency theft through exploits and breaches, with over $1 billion stolen in 2023.
- Russian ransomware groups like LockBit and ALPHV/BlackCat were major players, pulling in at least $320 million in ransom payments.
- Russian-language darknet markets dominate, with 95% of global sales in illicit items and services.
- Russia’s Garantex handled 82% of cryptocurrency for sanctioned entities, often funneling funds to Chinese military equipment manufacturers.
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