Russian Cybercriminal Sentenced to Over Five Years for Role in Trickbot Malware Scheme

Russian National, Vladimir Dunaev, Receives Five-Year Prison Term for Trickbot Cyberattacks:

A Russian national, Vladimir Dunaev, has been sentenced to five years and four months in prison for his involvement in the development and deployment of Trickbot, a malicious software responsible for cyberattacks on American hospitals and businesses.

Trickbot Overview and Impact:

Trickbot, a suite of malware tools designed for financial theft and ransomware installation, was taken down in 2022.

The malware caused severe financial losses, impacting hospitals, schools, and businesses across the United States.

Global Collaboration Against Cybercriminals:

Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri emphasized the Department’s commitment to placing cybercriminals behind bars, showcasing global cooperation in bringing them to justice.

Vladimir Dunaev’s Role and Conviction:

Dunaev, residing in Amur Oblast, Russia, provided specialized services and technical expertise to the Trickbot scheme.

He developed malicious tools, browser modifications, and program codes to enhance Trickbot’s capabilities.

Implications and Financial Damage:

During Dunaev’s involvement, Trickbot was used to defraud victims, including Avon schools and a North Canton real-estate company in the Northern District of Ohio, resulting in losses exceeding $3.4 million.

Law Enforcement’s Efforts and International Cooperation:

The FBI’s Cyber Division and Cleveland Field Office played a pivotal role in investigating and bringing Dunaev to justice.

International collaboration with the Republic of Korea facilitated his extradition to the Northern District of Ohio.

Guilty Plea and Co-Conspirator’s Sentencing:

Extradited in 2021, Dunaev pleaded guilty on November 30, 2023, to charges related to computer fraud, identity theft, wire fraud, and bank fraud.

One of his co-conspirators, Alla Witte, had previously pleaded guilty and received a two-year and eight-month prison sentence.

Sanctions and Continued Efforts:

In response to Trickbot, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued financial sanctions in February and September 2023 against suspected members.

The Justice Department, Treasury Department, and OFAC collaborated closely throughout the case.

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