The U.S. Department of State has announced a reward of up to $2.5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Volodymyr Kadariya. Kadariya, a Belarusian national, is wanted for his involvement in a major malware scheme.
High Reward for a Major Cybercriminal
In a bold move against cybercrime, the U.S. Department of State has set a reward offer of up to $2.5 million for information leading to the capture of Volodymyr Kadariya. This reward is part of the Department’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program, aimed at disrupting global crime networks.
The Crime and the Fugitive
Volodymyr Kadariya, a 38-year-old Belarusian and Ukrainian national, faces serious charges in the United States. He is implicated in a substantial cybercrime scheme that operated from October 2013 to March 2022.
Kadariya is accused of distributing malware, including the Angler Exploit Kit (AEK), through malicious online advertisements—a method known as “malvertising.”
Main Points:
- Malware Distribution: The Angler Exploit Kit was notorious for delivering malware to unsuspecting users’ devices.
- Scam Techniques: Kadariya’s scheme involved redirecting victims to harmful sites and deploying scareware ads.
- Impact: Millions of computers were compromised, leading to significant financial and data losses.
Charges and Indictment
On June 14, 2023, Kadariya was indicted in the District of New Jersey. The indictment includes charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit computer fraud, and two counts of substantive wire fraud. This indictment underscores the severity of Kadariya’s alleged crimes and the significant impact on victims worldwide.
Call for Information
The Department of State’s reward offer highlights the urgency of capturing Kadariya. The U.S. Secret Service is leading the effort to locate him.
Anyone with information about Kadariya’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Secret Service via email.
For those outside the United States, visits to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate are encouraged.
A Global Crime Network
Kadariya is believed to be a high-ranking member of an Eastern European cybercrime group. This group has targeted critical infrastructure and major companies globally. The substantial reward reflects the importance of apprehending individuals who pose significant threats to global cybersecurity.
Reward Details
Detail |
Information |
|---|---|
| Reward Amount | Up to $2.5 million |
| Charges | Wire fraud, computer fraud, substantive wire fraud |
| Scheme Duration | October 2013 – March 2022 |
| Method | Malvertising, malware distribution |
| Contact Information | MostWanted@usss.dhs.gov; local USSS offices; U.S. Embassy/Consulate |
The Final Word
The announcement of this reward underscores the commitment of U.S. law enforcement to combat cybercrime. By offering a significant financial incentive, authorities hope to gather crucial information leading to Kadariya’s arrest.
As the search continues, the cooperation of the public remains vital in bringing this cybercriminal to justice.
Sources: THX News & US Department of State.
