Ryuk ransomware operator sentenced to two years in US prison
A 35-year-old Armenian national, Karen Vardanyan, was sentenced to two years in US federal prison after pleading guilty to charges related to ransomware attacks using the Ryuk malware. He was also ordered to pay about $1.2 million in restitution and will serve three years of supervised release. Prosecutors say Vardanyan and his associates extorted at least $15 million from global victims, disrupting hospitals, schools, and businesses.
- Vardanyan extradited from Ukraine, pleaded guilty in July
- Ordered to pay $1.2 million restitution to victims
- Authorities say he and co-conspirators extorted at least $15 million
- Ryuk attacks targeted public, private, and healthcare sectors worldwide
- Co-conspirators from Armenia and Ukraine also identified
Sources covering this
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