UPDATE: The FBI has just announced serious charges against two former cybersecurity professionals accused of orchestrating illegal cyberattacks on U.S. companies. This shocking case, which reads like a modern spy thriller, involves allegations of a yearlong conspiracy to hack and extort numerous businesses for a staggering $10 million in cryptocurrency.
According to an indictment unsealed in the Southern District of Florida, the two men, who previously worked for cybersecurity firms, face charges of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by extortion, interference with interstate commerce, and intentional damage to a protected computer. The indictment reveals that between May 2023 and April 2025, the suspects colluded with an unnamed co-conspirator to launch ransomware attacks against at least five companies across various states.
The FBI alleges that these individuals utilized software from the notorious ransomware group ALPHV, also known as BlackCat or Noberus, to lock victims’ networks and demand multi-million-dollar ransoms. Among the targeted victims was a Florida medical company, from which they reportedly extorted approximately $1.2 million in cryptocurrency. Prosecutors claim the money was subsequently laundered through multiple wallets to obscure its origins.
The accused men also allegedly targeted a Maryland pharmaceutical company, a California engineering firm, a Virginia drone manufacturer, and a California medical office, with ransom demands ranging from $300,000 to $5 million. While only one attack was successful, authorities consider this operation a significant breach of trust, especially from professionals who are supposed to protect against such threats.
Both companies, DigitalMint and Sygnia Cybersecurity Services, have confirmed the men’s previous employment but vehemently deny any corporate involvement in the alleged scheme. Sygnia stated that it terminated one employee upon learning of the allegations, while DigitalMint had already fired the accused and another unidentified employee months prior to the indictments.
In a turn of events, one of the accused has pleaded not guilty, while the other has confessed to participating in the ransomware scheme, reportedly to escape debt. If convicted, they face significant prison time in federal custody.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential for betrayal within the cybersecurity industry. The FBI’s ongoing investigation highlights the urgent need for vigilance against internal threats in an era where digital safety remains paramount. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
