U.S. Offers $2.5 Million Reward for Information on Belarusian Cybercriminal

On Monday, the United States announced a reward of up to $2.5 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a Belarusian cybercriminal accused of spreading the Angler malware. The announcement targets Volodymyr Kadariya, 38, who was indicted by U.S. authorities in June 2023.

Details of the Allegations

The U.S. State Department released a statement detailing the charges against Kadariya. He, along with another individual, Maksim Silnikau, also 38 and a Belarusian-Ukrainian national, is accused of infiltrating millions of computers without users' knowledge from October 2013 to March 2022. By installing the Angler malware, they allegedly enabled cybercriminals to gain remote control over these systems.

Extradition of Maksim Silnikau

In a related development, Silnikau was extradited from Poland to the United States in July 2023. His extradition marks a significant step in the U.S. government's efforts to combat cybercrime and hold those responsible accountable.

Implications of Cybercrime

The Angler malware has been linked to various cybercriminal activities, including data theft and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The U.S. government’s decision to offer a substantial reward underscores the seriousness of these offenses and the commitment to disrupting cybercriminal networks.

Conclusion

As the U.S. continues to address the growing threat of cybercrime, the announcement of this reward serves as a call to action for individuals with information that could lead to the apprehension of Kadariya. The ongoing efforts highlight the importance of international cooperation in combating cyber threats and protecting digital security.