DOJ says ransomware gang tapped into Russian government databases

A U.S. court sentenced Latvian hacker Deniss Zolotarjovs to more than eight years for ransomware attacks tied to the Karakurt gang.

The DOJ says Karakurt extorted victims by abusing access to Russian government databases and ties to police and intelligence-linked networks.

Prosecutors say the group hit more than 54 companies and U.S. government entities, disrupting services and stealing sensitive data.

Zolotarjovs was arrested in Georgia, extradited to the U.S., and sentenced after pleading guilty.