Russian Telegram Channel Administrator Detained for Bitcoin Extortion

In the Moscow region, authorities have detained a Telegram channel administrator on suspicion of extorting more than 16 million rubles in the form of the leading cryptocurrency. This was reported by Irina Volk, the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

According to law enforcement agencies, the suspect, in collusion with a group of individuals, created a finance-focused channel and threatened a company with the dissemination of false information about its alleged connections to illegal casinos.

They demanded 0.5 BTC monthly for their silence. The company’s representatives agreed to meet the demands due to the risk of reputational damage.

Police have detained only one of the suspects. During a search, they confiscated phones and computer equipment and discovered a list of other companies that had been threatened.

A criminal case for extortion has been initiated against the detainee. A preventive measure has been applied, prohibiting certain actions by the individual involved.

Earlier in Thailand, four Russians were arrested on suspicion of organizing cyberattacks using ransomware. According to police, their victims included over 1,000 companies, with total damages estimated at $16.5 million.