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- Antropenko is accused of deploying Zeppelin ransomware to extort victims worldwide, including US businesses and public agencies.
- Prosecutors allege he laundered ransom proceeds through the now-defunct crypto mixer ChipMixer and structured cash deposits.
- DOJ’s cybercrime unit has secured 180+ convictions and prevented over $200 million in potential ransom payments since 2020.
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has unsealed warrants that led to the seizure of cryptocurrency worth over $2.8 million, $70,000 in cash, and a luxury vehicle in an operation linked to Ianis Aleksandrovich Antropenko.Â
United States authorities indicted Antropenko on charges of conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse and money laundering.
Antropenko tried to obscure trail of illicit funds
US prosecutors claim that Antropenko used the Zeppelin ransomware in attacks against individuals, businesses, and public-sector organizations across the world, and that includes the United States.
Prosecutors allege that he and his co-conspirators stole victims’ data, after which they demanded payment to restore access.
The seizures were authorized under six federal warrants unsealed this week in district courts in Texas, Virginia, and California.
Prosecutors alleged that Antropenko laundered the proceeds of his ransomware attacks through the now-defunct ChipMixer.
The financial implications of crypto-related crimes are rising
Cybercrime losses in the United States hit $16.6 billion in 2024, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. According to the FBI, the number of complaints connected to digital assets was close to 150,000 in 2024, and the related losses were up to $9.3 billion, which is a 66% increase from the reported cases from 2023. Ransomware is reportedly one of the major drivers of these losses.
The Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) has been on a juggernaut since 2020, securing more than 180 cybercrime convictions, recovering over $350 million for victims, and preventing more than $200 million in potential ransom payments.
There may be more arrests or indictments connected to the case in the future, although the DOJ has not disclosed any details to that effect as of publication.
Victims of Antropenko’s alleged ransomware attacks may see some respite from the news of the seizure and indictment. They could even see a path to fund recovery and some form of restitution in terms of justice served. However, the process could take months, and that’s if Antropenko is convicted of the charges against him.
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Disclaimer. The information provided is not trading advice. Cryptopolitan.com holds no liability for any investments made based on the information provided on this page. We strongly recommend independent research and/or consultation with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.
Hannah Collymore
Hannah is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of blog writing and event reporting experience in the crypto space. At Cryptopolitan, Hannah contributes to the news page, reporting and analyzing the latest developments in DeFi, RWA, crypto regulation, AI and frontier tech industries. She graduated from Arcadia university with a degree in Business Administration.
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