Ryuk Ransomware Operator Pleads Guilty in U.S., Faces 15 Years
In July 2026, 34-year-old Armenian national Karen Serobovich Vardanyan pleaded guilty in the United States to charges of hacking multiple U.S. companies and deploying Ryuk ransomware between November 2019 and April 2020. Vardanyan, who was extradited from Kyiv in April 2025, facilitated unauthorized access to corporate networks, leading to the encryption of systems and substantial ransom payments. Notably, a Michigan company paid 200 BTC (over $1.1 million at the time), contributing to a total of approximately 1,610 bitcoins (valued at around $15 million) extorted from victims. This case underscores the persistent threat posed by ransomware operations like Ryuk, which, at their peak, targeted around 20 organizations weekly and amassed over $150 million. The prosecution of Vardanyan highlights ongoing international efforts to combat cybercrime and hold perpetrators accountable, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures and vigilance against such attacks.
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