EU sanctions for extortion of software operators, Stern, over $300 million

European Union sanctions against Russian network criminals, Vitaly Nikolayevich Kovalev (alias Stern), who have caused global losses of over $10 billion. The Chainalysis data show that Stern-related wallet addresses received more than $300 million in ransoms. Stern was involved in dealings with the eco-ecosystems of extortion software such as Ryuk, Conti, Diavol, Karakurt, Royal, Quantum, and was responsible for budget management, staff recruitment and attack planning within Trickbot Group。