US Treasury Department blacklists Bitcoin addresses linked to Iran ransomware group
US Treasury Department Blacklists 7 Bitcoins wallet address Linked to members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
department said September 14 press release We have confirmed that malicious Iran-based cyber actors have launched ransomware attacks against the United States since 2020. The group is said to have attacked a New Jersey municipality, several US-based children’s hospitals, and a number of private facilities.
Individuals affiliated with the IRGC include: Mansour, Ali Ahmadi, Mohammad Ahmadi, Mahdavi, Rashidi, Khatibi, Nikaeen, Mostafa, Mojtaba, Shakeri.they worked for Najee Technology and Afkar System companies start their malicious activities.
Four of the backlisted Bitcoin (XBT) wallets were linked to Nikaeen Ravari and three belonged to Ahmad Khatibi Aghada. The two allegedly helped the IRGC develop and deploy ransomware that threatened US national security.
As a result of the sanctions, the Treasury has seized all property belonging to designated individuals in the country. U.S. individuals and institutions are barred from doing business with them, as those indicted face further sanctions.
Treasury Secretary Blaine E. Nelson said:
“We will continue to work with our global partners to combat and deter ransomware threats, including those associated with the IRGC.”
The Treasury Department also offered a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the arrest of Mansour, Nikein, or designated individuals.
Ransomware Attackers Choosing Bitcoin
Between 2011 and 2021, over $5 billion in Bitcoin was paid to ransomware attackers. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
ransomware attack on colonial pipeline In 2021, an American company was forced to pay $4.4 million in Bitcoin to dark side hackers.
A recent report by crypto trace Ransomware attackers who choose to receive payments in Bitcoin typically add a premium of 10% to 20%. The extra charge is to address the risks of using an easily traceable cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.
