Ransomware Negotiator Pleads Guilty to Deploying Ransomware Himself

Florida ransomware negotiator Angelo Martino pleaded guilty to helping ransomware crews attack at least five U.S. companies.

The Justice Department says he shared victim insurance and bargaining details with hackers and joined attacks with two other cybersecurity professionals.

One victim reportedly paid about $1.2 million in Bitcoin, and authorities have seized $10 million in assets linked to Martino.

The case highlights how a trusted negotiator can allegedly turn insider access into a tool for extortion and wider cyber abuse.