Ofac Sanctions Crypto Russian hosting provider to enable theft

On Tuesday, the US Treasury Department’s Foreign Assets Office is managing the Russian bulletproof hosting provider AEZA Group, which manages Russian bulletproof hosting provider AEZA Group to promote cybercriminal activities, including ransomware attacks and darknet drug markets targeting victims around the world, including the United States.

“Cybercriminals continue to rely heavily on BPH service providers like the AEZA group to promote destructive ransomware attacks, steal US technology and sell black market drugs,” said Bradley T. Smith, under his terrorism secretary. statement.

Bulletproof hosting providers provide technology infrastructure such as servers and domains, resist law enforcement takedowns, and enable cybercriminals to operate with immunity. This service is a key enabler for ransomware operators, qualification theft, and illegal markets.

Blockchain intelligence company TRM Labs according to the actions of OFAC Included A crypto address designation tied to the Aeza group that received more than $350,000 in funds.

The wallet will display links to authorized exchange Garantex and other cybercrime services with regular cash-outs to the global crypto platform. Secret Service It was seized Garantex in March this year.

Based in St. Petersburg, Russia, the Aeza Group hosts infrastructure for ransomware groups such as Bianlian. Infostealer Operations, Includes Meduza and Lumma.

It also supported Redline Infostealer Panels and the infamous Darknet Drug Marketplace BlackSprut.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the leadership team of the AEZA group included CEO Arseni Penzev and general director Yurii Bozoyan.

Technical Director Vladimir Gasto and part-owner Igor Niazef were also named by designation.

OFAC has also approved three affiliated entities: UK-based AEZA International Ltd. and its Russian subsidiary AEZA Logistic LLC and Cloud Solutions LLC.

Sanctions block all property and profits of designated parties within or under US control. US entities are generally prohibited from carrying out transactions that include those designated, and violations can result in civil or criminal penalties.

edit Sebastian Sinclair