Yaroslav Vasinskyi, also known as Rabotnik, has been handed a sentence of 13 years and seven months in prison for his participation in over 2,500 ransomware attacks, with demands totaling more than $700 million in ransom payments. The Department of Justice made this announcement following a crackdown on ransomware groups, which was promised by U.S. President Joe Biden in November 2021.

The sentencing of Rabotnik is a significant development in the efforts to combat cybercriminals involved in ransomware attacks. Following the demand of $70 million in bitcoin by the REvil group after hacking Kaseya, a software provider based in Miami, the U.S. called for action. In March 2022, Russian authorities carried out a raid that led to the dismantling of REvil.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland highlighted the importance of international collaboration in identifying cybercriminals, seizing their profits, and holding them accountable for their actions. Rabotnik, aged 24, has also been ordered to pay over $16 million in restitution. He admitted to being an affiliate of groups using Sodinokibi or REvil ransomware to extort payments in cryptocurrency, while employing mixing services to conceal their gains from illicit activities.

Rabotnik, who was extradited from Poland, pleaded guilty to multiple charges connected to fraud, computer damage, and money laundering. The Department of Justice managed to seize nearly 40 bitcoin, valued at approximately $2.3 million, along with $6.1 million in funds linked to ransom payments made by other collaborators.

As efforts to combat ransomware attacks continue, the impact of this sentencing serves as a warning to cybercriminals that law enforcement agencies are dedicated to pursuing those responsible for such malicious activities.