Russian law enforcement has made a significant move in the battle against cybercrime by arresting a well-known cybercriminal connected to ransomware gangs. The individual, identified as Mikhail Matveev, is accused of creating harmful computer programs known as ransomware. These programs are designed to lock up computer files and demand money to unlock them. Matveev, also called “Wazawaka,” has allegedly played a major role in several hacking groups that have caused chaos worldwide.
The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed the arrest and revealed that the case is now in court. According to the authorities, enough evidence has been gathered to bring Mikhail Matveev to trial. He was labeled as a “programmer” in court documents, though details about his personal life remain confidential. Reports indicate that he developed ransomware to attack businesses and extort money from them by locking up their important files.
This arrest is drawing attention not only because of Matveev’s actions but also due to his international reputation. He has been on the radar of cybercrime experts for years, accused of causing significant damage to various organizations, including law enforcement agencies.
Global Impacts of Mikhail Matveev’s Cybercrimes
Mikhail Matveev has been linked to some of the most infamous ransomware gangs, including Babuk, Hive, and LockBit. These groups have attacked organizations worldwide, leaving their victims scrambling to recover stolen or locked data. For example, in 2020, Matveev and his team used LockBit ransomware to target a law enforcement agency in New Jersey. The following year, the Babuk group, with which Matveev was allegedly involved, launched an attack on the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.
In another high-profile incident in 2022, Matveev is suspected of working with the Hive ransomware gang to target a nonprofit healthcare organization in New Jersey. These attacks disrupted operations, risking the safety and privacy of countless people.
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Adding to his long list of crimes, Matveev is also believed to have been involved in the creation of the Babuk ransomware gang. This group gained worldwide attention after they stole data from the Washington D.C. Capital Police Force. Babuk eventually broke apart due to internal disagreements over what to do with the stolen data.
To make matters worse, Matveev has reportedly helped run an underground forum where hackers meet to trade tools and knowledge about cyberattacks. This forum, called Ramp, allowed hackers from around the world to work together and expand their operations.
A Bold Criminal with a Public Profile
Despite being a wanted man in the United States, Mikhail Matveev seemed unbothered by his reputation. He openly shared details about his cyber activities on his social media accounts, even using Twitter to interact with cybersecurity professionals. Astonishingly, he has even mocked U.S. law enforcement. After the U.S. government imposed sanctions on him, Matveev posted a photo of his wanted poster printed on a t-shirt, boldly wearing his criminal reputation.
The U.S. government has been pursuing Mikhail Matveev for years. In 2023, he was charged by the U.S. Department of Justice for his involvement in attacks orchestrated by the Hive and LockBit gangs. These charges highlight the scale of his crimes, which affected law enforcement agencies, nonprofit organizations, and critical infrastructure in the United States.
The U.S. Department of State even announced a $10 million reward for information that could lead to Matveev’s arrest or conviction. This is one of the largest rewards ever offered for a cybercriminal, showing how dangerous and influential Matveev was believed to be.
Russian authorities have now taken action, indicting Mikhail Matveev for developing and using malicious software for profit. The case is being heard in Kaliningrad’s Central District Court, where prosecutors are presenting evidence of his role in encrypting the data of businesses and demanding ransoms.
Mikhail Matveev’s arrest is a significant development in the fight against global cybercrime. His boldness and public displays of defiance have made him a notorious figure, but the evidence against him may finally bring his reign of cyberterror to an end. For now, the case will proceed in Russia, marking a crucial step in holding cybercriminals accountable for their actions.
