US DOJ Offers $10 Million Reward for Information on Alleged Russian Cyber Criminal “Evil Corp” Leader

The United States has offered a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the arrest and capture of the alleged Russian cybercriminal Denis Gennadievich Kulkov. The US District Court in New York revealed that Kulkov is charged with device fraud, computer intrusion, and money laundering. According to the indictment, Kulkov founded an electronic platform called Try2Check in 2005 that helped cybercriminals verify the validity of stolen credit card numbers. As per the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, Try2Check was a primary enabler of the trade in stolen credit card information. It processed tens of millions of card numbers every year. Try2Check allegedly obtained unauthorized access to the servers of a major US-based payment processor to carry out its card-checking. Kulkov has been accused of making at least $18 million through the operation and purchasing a Ferrari and other luxury items with it.

The collaboration of the United States with their partners in Germany and Austria has resulted in taking Try2Check’s websites offline. US Secret Service special agent Patrick Freaney termed it a significant achievement and a victory for online consumers’ protection. However, it is unclear whether the arrest of Denis Gennadievich Kulkov would lead to a complete shutdown of Try2Check.

Reports suggest that the US government’s action against Denis Gennadievich Kulkov sheds light on an international hacking organization, known as Evil Corp. An annual report by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) revealed that Evil Corp was responsible for stealing around $1.5 billion from banks and financial institutions globally. The report also confirms that the UK and US collaborated to freeze a bank account believed to be operated by Evil Corp in 2019.

This incident highlights the need for stricter internet security policies and regulations. Hackers continue to devise advanced methods to commit online crimes and make huge profits. The growth of cybercrime is becoming a significant concern, not only for financial organizations but also for consumers who are becoming victims of identity theft, data breaches, and fraudulent activities.

In conclusion, the US government’s action against Denis Gennadievich Kulkov is a reminder that cybercriminals can be caught and held accountable. However, it also underscores the need for heightened internet security measures and consumer education. The collaboration of international law enforcement agencies and financial organizations is essential to prevent online crimes and safeguard user data.