French police arrest Russian basketball player accused of ransomware: Report

French authorities have apprehended a Russian professional basketball player suspected of involvement in a ransomware operation, according to a report from the newswire Agence France-Presse (AFP).

The individual identified is Daniil Kasatkin, a player for MBA Moscow, a team affiliated with the VTB United League, which primarily consists of Russian clubs, alongside teams from Belarus and Kazakhstan. Kasatkin also had a brief stint with Penn State during the 2018-2019 season.

U.S. authorities reportedly suspect Kasatkin of moonlighting as a ransomware hacker. His arrest took place at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris on June 21, highlighting the international scope of cybercrime investigations and the ongoing efforts to combat digital threats.

Frederic Belot, Kasatkin’s lawyer, has vehemently stated his client’s innocence. “He bought a used computer. He did absolutely nothing wrong. He’s shocked,” Belot conveyed to AFP. Emphasizing Kasatkin’s alleged lack of technical prowess, Belot added, “He’s useless with computers. He can’t even install an app. He didn’t touch anything on this computer. It was either hacked, or sold to him by a hacker who wanted to pass himself off as someone else.”

This incident underscores the global challenge posed by ransomware and highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies worldwide to track and apprehend individuals involved in such cybercriminal activities, regardless of their public profile. The case is expected to draw significant attention as legal proceedings unfold, shedding more light on the allegations and the defense’s counter-arguments.