Iranian International Behind Robbinhood Ransomware Scheme Pleads Guilty – U.S. Department of Justice
In a significant development, a 37-year-old Iranian man, Sina Gholinejad, has pleaded guilty to being the mastermind behind the notorious Robbinhood ransomware scam. According to a recent press release by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Gholinejad's crimes have left a trail of devastation across multiple cities in the US, resulting in widespread disruption and losses estimated in the tens of millions of dollars.
The indictment alleges that Gholinejad and his co-conspirators gained unauthorized access to computers belonging to cities such as Baltimore, Greenville, North Carolina; Yonkers, New York; and Gresham, Oregon. Using this illegal access, they stole sensitive data from the victims' computers, which was then uploaded onto their systems. This malware, known as Robbinhood, took control of the victim's PC, encrypted its files, and attempted to extort crypto assets from them in exchange for the release of the stolen data.
The scheme involved Gholinejad's team using advanced methods to launder the stolen funds through crypto mixing services and chain-hopping. This made it extremely difficult for authorities to track their identities and recover the stolen funds. The extent of the damage caused by this ransomware attack is staggering, with the City of Baltimore being forced to take hundreds of computers offline and prevented from performing basic functions for months.
According to Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, "The ransomware attack against the City of Baltimore was a devastating blow to an already strained city. Gholinejad's conviction reflects our commitment to bringing cybercriminals who target our cities, healthcare system, and businesses to justice no matter where they are located. There will be no impunity for these destructive attacks."
Gholinejad is scheduled to be sentenced in August and faces a maximum penalty of up to 30 years behind bars. This conviction serves as a reminder that cybercrime will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable for their actions.
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Stay Safe Online: Protect Yourself from Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware attacks like the one orchestrated by Sina Gholinejad are becoming increasingly common. To protect yourself and your devices, follow these simple steps:
- Regularly back up your data to a secure location.
- Use strong antivirus software and keep it up-to-date.
- Avoid opening suspicious emails or attachments from unknown sources.
- Use two-factor authentication whenever possible.
By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to a ransomware attack. Stay vigilant and stay safe online!