Six hackers indicted by the US, extradition seems unlikely

The hackers are around 30 years old and all six live in Russia

20.Oct.20 8:59 AM
By Shawn Highstraw
Photo toinnov.com

520

Six hackers indicted by the US, extradition seems unlikely

The United States has indicted six hackers of the Russian hacker group Sandworm, who with NotPetya-ransomware, among other things, shut down a port in Rotterdam. That's what Wired magazine says.

With the charges, the United States wants to convict the hackers of multiple cyber attacks that have been carried out in recent years.

The hackers are around 30 years old and all six live in Russia. In addition to a Rotterdam Container Terminal, their NotPetya-ransomware also shut down a power station in Ukraine, rendering part of the country without power.

One of the suspects was also indicted two years ago for his role in hacking the U.S. election board in 2016. The six would be employed by Russian intelligence.

"They are still carrying out devastating and disruptive attacks on anyone they consider to be an opponent of Russia," says an anonymous employee at the US Department of Justice. "This is probably one of the most dangerous hacker groups you can find."

Extradition seems unlikely. According to Russian Constitution citizens can't be extradited to foreign countries.

The case against the hackers can only start if they are extradited to the United States, which probably won't happen.

The charges make it harder for the six to travel, because they cannot go to countries that have an extradition treaty with the United States. In addition, they cannot use Western payment systems. But it never was a problem for a hacker.

Back to the list

Related Information:

World, Business and Lifestyle News