In what can be described as a major prisoner exchange event today, the United States and Russia have released prisoners from either side. Among those set free are journalist Evan Gershkovich and a number of Russian opposition figures. On the flip side, Russia welcomes home a group of criminals with weighty charges, one of whom was an assassin accused of exterminating a Russian state adversary in Berlin.
The Hacker Duo’s Homecoming
Astonishingly, part of Russia’s return line-up includes two infamous hackers, Vladislav Klyushin and Roman Seleznev. They were found guilty of executing significant financial offences on US soil. The US government confirmed that Klyushin is tied to one of America’s most detrimental hacking and trading scandals. This scheme also goes down as one of the biggest insider trading conspiracies ever subjected to prosecution.
Seleznev, according to federal prosecutors, has adversely affected more victims and instigated remarkable monetary loss than a majority of defendants that have stood in court. For a hacker to garner interest from the Russian state, it’s obvious one needs to have caused severe damages to its adversaries.
A Brief on the Hacker Profiles
Klyushin was described as a mastermind behind the most substantial hacking and trading operation in American history. His crime is significant considering it is seen as one of the largest insider trading schemes ever prosecuted.
On the other hand, Seleznev’s misdeeds have impacted more victims and triggered more financial loss than possibly any other previous defendant. His fame or notoriety is so significant that he caught the eye of the Russian government for a prisoner swap.
What Does This Mean For Russian Hackers?
With the return of these two men, the Russian government is making a clear statement to all the hackers within the country: the state is ready to protect its own. This move is seen as a symbol of support for domestic hackers, indicating that their actions might carry consequences, but they will also be shielded by their home country.
In conclusion, the eye-opening prisoner swap between the US and Russia has clued us into the extent to which countries will go to protect their citizens, regardless of the crimes they committed. By standing by Klyushin and Seleznev, Russia has reassured its domestic hackers of the support they can expect, even when met with international retribution. This event is a wake-up call for international cyber crime management agencies, reaffirming the urgency to apprehend perpetrators and bring them to justice.