A hacking kingpin reveals all: Inside the gang that left a trail of destruction
13 days ago
- #hacking
- #ransomware
- #cyber-crime
- Vyacheslav Penchukov, aka 'Tank', a former cyber-crime kingpin, shares insights from prison about his criminal past.
- Penchukov led the Jabber Zeus crew, using Zeus malware to steal millions from small businesses and charities.
- He evaded capture for years, even escaping an FBI-led operation with a high-speed car chase.
- After a brief hiatus, Penchukov returned to cyber-crime, joining ransomware gangs like IcedID and Conti.
- His crimes impacted thousands, including a US hospital that lost $30m and a family-run luggage business.
- Penchukov expresses minimal remorse, only regretting trusting fellow hackers, which led to his arrest.
- He reveals connections between ransomware gangs and Russian security services, though Russia denies involvement.
- Penchukov is serving two concurrent nine-year sentences and must pay $54m in restitution to victims.