Former Ransomware Negotiator Pleads Guilty to Aiding Cybercriminals in Extortion Scheme
A former ransomware negotiator, Martino, has pleaded guilty to charges of aiding a ransomware group in extorting tens of millions of dollars from companies. Martino, who worked for the Chicago-based cybersecurity firm DigitalMint, conspired with Ryan Goldberg of Georgia and Kevin Martin of Texas to deploy Blackcat ransomware against multiple victims across the United States between April and November 2023. The Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed that Martino provided the ransomware group with sensitive information, such as companies' insurance policy limits and internal negotiation positions, in exchange for a share of the profits. The group extorted $1.2 million in Bitcoin from one victim, which they then laundered. Law enforcement has seized $10 million in assets from Martino, including digital currency, a food truck, and a luxury fishing boat. Martino faces up to 20 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for July 9.