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Karakurt Ransomware Negotiator Sentenced to 8.5 Years in U.S. Prison for Extortion Activities

Karakurt Ransomware Negotiator Sentenced to 8.5 Years in U.S. Prison for Extortion Activities

Deniss Zolotarjovs, a Latvian national and member of the Karakurt ransomware gang, has been sentenced to 8.5 years in a U.S. prison. Zolotarjovs, who was arrested in Georgia in December 2023 and extradited to the U.S. in August 2024, pleaded guilty in July 2025. The Karakurt group, associated with the infamous Conti group, was notorious for targeting organizations across various industries to steal sensitive information and extort ransom payments. Between June 2021 and March 2023, the group attacked at least 53 entities, causing $56 million in losses. Zolotarjovs played a significant role in the group's extortion strategies, including negotiating ransom payments and advising on data publication threats. He received 10% of the ransom payments, which were paid in cryptocurrency and later converted to Russian rubles.
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Pittsburgh Zoo Emphasizes Safety Amid Nationwide Hoax Threats

Pittsburgh Zoo Emphasizes Safety Amid Nationwide Hoax Threats

In response to a series of hoax calls affecting zoos across the United States, the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium has reiterated its commitment to safety. Although the Pittsburgh Zoo has not received any direct threats, at least seven other zoos have been targeted with false reports of bomb threats and active shooters, leading to evacuations and temporary closures. The director of guest services at the Pittsburgh Zoo emphasized that safety remains a top priority, ensuring that protocols are in place to protect visitors and staff.
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HOA President Marglli Gallego Pleads Guilty in $11 Million Fraud Scheme Affecting Miami Community

HOA President Marglli Gallego Pleads Guilty in $11 Million Fraud Scheme Affecting Miami Community

Marglli Gallego, the former president of the Hammocks Community Association in Miami, has pleaded guilty to charges of racketeering and grand theft in connection with a fraud scheme that misappropriated over $11 million from the association. The scheme involved sham vendors, inflated contracts, and misappropriated funds, impacting approximately 18,000 residents. Gallego, along with her husband Jose Antonio Gonzalez, was part of a group accused of running the HOA like an organized crime syndicate. Gallego has been sentenced to seven years in prison and seven years of probation, while Gonzalez received seven years of probation and agreed to forfeit a property purchased with misappropriated funds. The case has been described as one of the largest homeowner association frauds in U.S. history.
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House Democrat Challenges USPS Plan to Ease Handgun Shipping Rules, Citing Crime Concerns

House Democrat Challenges USPS Plan to Ease Handgun Shipping Rules, Citing Crime Concerns

Rep. Maxwell Frost, a Democrat from Florida, is raising concerns over the U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) proposed rule to ease restrictions on shipping handguns through the mail. The USPS's proposal aims to align with a January opinion from the Justice Department, which deemed the federal prohibition on mailing concealable firearms unconstitutional. The proposed changes would allow handguns to be mailed under the same conditions as rifles and shotguns. Frost argues that this change could lead to increased illegal handgun trafficking, as it would enable criminals to bypass federal background checks and state firearm laws. He has requested USPS to address several enforcement questions by May 14, including security measures to prevent theft and compliance with state laws requiring handgun transfers through licensed dealers.
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Washington police put 13 officers on administrative leave in internal crime statistics investigation

Washington police put 13 officers on administrative leave in internal crime statistics investigation

Washington interim Police Chief Jeffery Carroll says that 13 officers have been placed on administrative leave in connection with an internal investigation into how the department compiles crime statistics, a subject that also faces scrutiny from Congress and the U.S. Attorney’s Office
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US Justice Dept targets Minnesota over global greenhouse gas emissions

US Justice Dept targets Minnesota over global greenhouse gas emissions

WASHINGTON, May 4 (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department filed a complaint on Monday against Minnesota over its regulation of global greenhouse gas emissions, the latest in a series of federal actions in the state that have included a fraud probe and immigration raids.
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North Korea Threatens Retaliation After US Claims of Cyber Attacks

North Korea Threatens Retaliation After US Claims of Cyber Attacks

North Korea has rejected accusations from the United States that it poses a cyber threat, labeling these claims as fabrications intended to justify Washington's hostile policies. According to state media KCNA, a spokesperson from North Korea's foreign ministry described the US allegations as 'absurd slander' aimed at tarnishing the country's image. The spokesperson warned that North Korea would take all necessary measures to defend its state interests and protect its citizens' rights in cyberspace. This response follows repeated accusations by US officials that North Korea engages in state-sponsored cyber activities, including hacking and cryptocurrency theft, to fund its weapons programs. In March, the US Treasury sanctioned individuals and entities linked to North Korean IT operations, alleging they facilitated illicit earnings through digital assets. These activities are said to be ongoing, with previous sanctions imposed in July targeting North Korean cyber operatives and foreign facilitators.
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Cybersecurity Expert Warns of Increased Fraud During 2026 World Cup Due to Iran-Linked Hackers

Cybersecurity Expert Warns of Increased Fraud During 2026 World Cup Due to Iran-Linked Hackers

Cybersecurity Expert Warns of Increased Fraud During 2026 World Cup Due to Iran-Linked Hackers
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Security Agencies Set Boundaries for Agentic AI to Mitigate Cyber Threats

Security Agencies Set Boundaries for Agentic AI to Mitigate Cyber Threats

Security Agencies Set Boundaries for Agentic AI to Mitigate Cyber Threats
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Iran Claims US Responded to Peace Proposal Amid Ongoing Tensions

Iran Claims US Responded to Peace Proposal Amid Ongoing Tensions

Iran has announced that it received a response from the United States to its latest peace proposal, according to Iranian state-linked media. The response was reportedly delivered via Pakistan and is currently under review by Iran's foreign ministry. President Trump has indicated skepticism about the proposal, suggesting it may not be acceptable due to Iran's past actions. This development comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, following military actions initiated by the US and Israel against Iran earlier this year.
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Hoax Calls Lead to Evacuations and Closures at Multiple U.S. Zoos

Hoax Calls Lead to Evacuations and Closures at Multiple U.S. Zoos

Several zoos across the United States have been targeted by hoax calls involving bomb threats and claims of active shooters, leading to evacuations and closures. These incidents, described as swatting, have disrupted operations and strained public safety resources. Recent threats prompted evacuations at the Akron Zoo and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Ohio, as well as the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. No real threats were found, but the incidents highlight a growing national problem. The FBI has identified swatting as a serious crime with potentially dangerous consequences, including the risk of injury to first responders and the public.