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Russian authorities have arrested and indicted Mikhail Pavlovich Matveev, also known as Wazawaka, a notorious ransomware affiliate. Matveev, who also used the aliases Uhodiransomwar, m1x, and Boriselcin, is charged with developing malware and involvement in several hacking groups. While the prosecutor's office initially withheld his identity, referring to him only as a "programmer," sources confirmed his identity as Matveev. This arrest is significant given Wazawaka's prolific malware development and connections to major ransomware operations.

The arrest follows the US government's indictment of Matveev in 2023, accompanied by a $10 million bounty for information leading to his capture. Matveev faces US sanctions and charges for his alleged role in numerous ransomware attacks targeting thousands of victims worldwide. His arrest in Russia adds complexity to US efforts to prosecute him, highlighting the challenges of international law enforcement cooperation in cybercrime cases.

This arrest underscores a potential shift in Russia's approach to domestic cybercriminals. Historically, Russia has been perceived as a safe haven for hackers targeting foreign entities. However, recent crackdowns, including the sentencing of REvil ransomware gang members, suggest a changing stance. While the exact reasons behind Matveev’s arrest remain unclear, it marks a notable development in the ongoing global fight against ransomware.

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References:

• Malware Analysis, News and Indicators - Malware.News covers the arrest of Wazawaka, highlighting his malware development and ties to ransomware gangs. - 23d
• Security Archives - SecurityAffairs details the arrest of Mikhail Matveev, aka Wazawaka, and his involvement in ransomware groups. - 23d
• Over Security - BleepingComputer reports on the arrest of Mikhail Matveev, aka Wazawaka, for malware development and ties to ransomware gangs. - 23d
• Techopedia - Techopedia reports on the arrest of Mikhail Matveev, aka Wazawaka, for malware creation and assisting ransomware groups. - 23d
• The Register - An alleged former affiliate of LockBit and Babuk ransomware operations, also on the FBI's most wanted list, has been arrested in Russia. - 23d
• Malware Analysis, News and Indicators - Russian programmer Mikhail Pavlovich Matveev, allegedly linked to LockBit, Hive, and Babuk ransomware operations, has been apprehended and indicted for developing data-encrypting software used in rans - 23d
• TechCrunch - The Russian government confirmed the indictment of a 32-year-old for creating and launching ransomware attacks. - 23d

Classification:

• HashTags: Wazawaka RansomwareAffiliate Cybercrime
• Attacker: Wazawaka
• Feature: Malware Development
• Type: Hack
• Severity: Major