Mark Sokolovsky, a 28-year-old Ukrainian national, has been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for his role in operating the notorious “Raccoon Infostealer” malware-as-a-service (MaaS). The sentencing marks a significant step in combating international cybercrime.
Raccoon Infostealer emerged as a leading malware-as-a-service platform since its inception in 2019.
It allowed cybercriminals to steal sensitive data, including login credentials, financial information, and cryptocurrency wallet details, by renting the malware for approximately $200 per month in cryptocurrency payments.
The malware was distributed through phishing campaigns and exploit kits, targeting browsers, cryptocurrency wallets, and other applications.
It exfiltrated data into compressed files sent to command-and-control servers, leaving victims vulnerable to fraud and identity theft.
The FBI and international law enforcement dismantled the Raccoon infrastructure in March 2022 during Sokolovsky’s arrest in the Netherlands.
This operation disrupted the malware’s activities temporarily but highlighted the growing sophistication of cybercrime networks.
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Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Sokolovsky was extradited to the United States in February 2024 after being indicted on charges including conspiracy to commit computer intrusion, fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft.
In October 2024, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion. As part of his plea agreement, he agreed to forfeit $23,975 and pay restitution of at least $910,844.61 to victims.
The court acknowledged that Raccoon Infostealer compromised over 52 million user credentials globally. U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza emphasized that Sokolovsky’s actions enabled even amateur hackers to commit complex cybercrimes on a massive scale.
Law enforcement agencies from multiple countries played crucial roles in bringing Sokolovsky to justice.
The case underscores the challenges posed by malware-as-a-service platforms like Raccoon Infostealer. Despite its dismantling in 2022, an upgraded version re-emerged in underground forums by 2023, showcasing enhanced features and anti-detection measures.
The FBI continues to prioritize such cases and encourages victims of financial scams linked to Raccoon Infostealer to report incidents via its IC3.gov platform.
This sentencing serves as a warning to cybercriminals worldwide. With international cooperation becoming increasingly effective, law enforcement agencies are better equipped to combat the evolving landscape of cybercrime.
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