‘Ransomware’ Charges Brought against Canadian Man in the US

The US Department of Justice announced on Thursday that a Canadian man was extradited to the United States to face charges for dozens of ransomware attacks, resulting in the payment of tens of millions of dollars in ransoms.

According to the press release, Sebastien Vachon-Desjardins, a former Canadian government employee, was charged with conspiracy to commit computer fraud and wire fraud, intentional damage to a protected computer and transmitting a demand in relation to damaging a protected computer arising from his alleged participation in a sophisticated form of ransomware known as NetWalker.

In response to a request made by the US authorities, Canadian law enforcement officers arrested Vachon-Desjardins in Gatineau, Quebec, on 27 January 2021, and executed a search warrant at Vachon-Desjardins’ home in Gatineau.

“Ransomware is a multi-billion-dollar criminal enterprise that transcends physical and political boundaries. International collaboration is essential to identify the perpetrators of these sophisticated schemes. This case illustrates effective international law enforcement cooperation directed at identifying cybercriminals, holding them accountable for their alleged criminal actions, and recovering funds allegedly stolen from their victims,” Roger B. Handberg, US Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, stated.

Cryptos Seized

A search of the house led officers to discover and seize 719 Bitcoin (BTC), worth approximately $28,151,582 as of today and $790,000 in Canadian currency. The extradition took place on Wednesday.

Additionally, the indictment claims that the United States intends to forfeit more than $27 million, which is allegedly traceable to the proceeds of the offenses. US Magistrate Judge Julie S. Sneed will hear the defendant’s initial appearance in federal court in Tampa.

“As exemplified by the seizure of cryptocurrency by our Canadian partners, we will use all legally available avenues to pursue seizure and forfeiture of the alleged proceeds of ransomware, whether located domestically or abroad. The department will not cease to pursue and seize cryptocurrency ransoms, thereby thwarting the attempts of ransomware actors to evade law enforcement through the use of virtual currency,” Kenneth A. Polite Jr., Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, commented.