Ransomware kingpin “Stern” apparently IDed by German law enforcement
1 min read
Summary
Russian cybercrime group Trickbot unleashed a hacking spree on the world, targeting thousands of victims including businesses, schools and US clinics over the course of six years.
Led by enigmatic operator ‘Stern’, the gang of 100 cybercriminals reportedly stole hundreds of millions of dollars.
Last week German police identified ‘Stern’ as Vitaly Kovalev, a 36-year-old from Russia, and issued an Interpol red notice for his arrest, however, due to Russian extradition protection, he is unlikely to be brought to trial.
Kovalev is alleged to be the founder of Trickbot, with the group’s activities understood to have been widely overlooked by law enforcement while they gathered evidence on identifying members.
Kovalev’s alleged identity marks a significant step in understanding Trickbot’s activities and brings more attention to the transnational nature of cybercriminal groups.
