Russian Basketball Star Arrested Over Ransomware Attacks on 900+ Companies

A prominent Russian basketball player has been arrested in France on charges related to one of the most extensive ransomware operations in recent years, highlighting the ongoing intersection between cybercrime and international law enforcement.

Daniil Kasatkin, a 26-year-old professional basketball player who recently played for Moscow’s MBA-MAI team, was detained at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport on June 21, 2025, following an extradition request from the United States.

The Alleged Cybercrime Network

According to U.S. authorities, Kasatkin is suspected of participating in a sophisticated ransomware network that targeted approximately 900 companies between 2020 and 2022.

The criminal organization allegedly attacked various private enterprises as well as two federal establishments, though the total financial damage has not been disclosed by investigators.

The scale of the operation represents one of the more significant ransomware campaigns prosecuted by American authorities in recent years.

The charges against Kasatkin include conspiracy to commit ...