US Announces $11 Million Bounty on Ukrainian Hacker

The United States has placed an $11 million bounty on Ukrainian hacker Volodymyr Tymoshchuk. He is accused of running major ransomware campaigns that caused massive global losses.

Hacker Behind Billion-Dollar Attacks

According to US officials, Tymoshchuk led cyberattacks using ransomware strains like MegaCortex, LockerGoga, and Nefilim.

These attacks targeted top US companies, hospitals, and global industries.

One of the most serious incidents was the 2019 LockerGoga attack on Norsk Hydro, which hit 170 sites worldwide and caused damages worth $81 million.

Criminal Charges

Tymoshchuk faces seven federal charges linked to cyberattacks between 2018 and 2021.

Reports say his operations caused damages worth $18 billion. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment.

How the Attacks Worked

Investigators revealed that Tymoshchuk and his team:

• Used penetration testing tools like Metasploit and Cobalt Strike for hacking.

• Sold Nefilim ransomware access to other attackers, keeping 20% of ransom payments.

• Focused mainly on companies worth over $100 million, often staying hidden in systems for months.

While MegaCortex sometimes spread to personal computers, Nefilim mainly targeted big corporations.

US Officials on the Case

US Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. called Tymoshchuk a “serial ransomware criminal.”

He said this indictment shows international cooperation to track and punish dangerous cybercriminals.

Linked to Other Hackers

The indictment also connects Tymoshchuk to Artem Stryzhak, another hacker extradited earlier.

If Tymoshchuk is arrested and sent to the US, he will face trial for damaging private computers and threatening to leak stolen data.

📢 Bottom Line

The US is taking strong action against cybercrime. With an $11 million reward, they hope to bring Tymoshchuk to justice and send a clear warning to global hackers.