US Seizes $24 Million in Cryptocurrency from Qakbot Developer

U.S. authorities have seized over $24 million in cryptocurrency linked to Rustam Rafailevich Gallyamov, a Russian developer accused of creating the notorious Qakbot malware. This seizure follows a lengthy investigation into the malware’s activities, which include spear-phishing campaigns and ransomware attacks that have affected businesses worldwide since at least 2008. Gallyamov allegedly collected ransom payments from victims across various countries. The Department of Justice has emphasized its commitment to dismantling cybercriminal schemes, highlighting the seizure as a significant step towards holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The seized assets include Bitcoin (BTC) and Tether (USDT), demonstrating the financial impact of Gallyamov’s activities. The action underscores the increasing pressure on crypto markets to collaborate with law enforcement agencies in combating illicit activities.