Russian Basketball Player Arrested in France on U.S. Charges
The U.S. Department of Justice has charged Daniil Kasatkin, a Russian professional basketball player currently residing in France, with conspiracy to facilitate financial arrangements for a cybercriminal group. The alleged hacking activities are said to have targeted the computer systems of approximately 90,000 companies and two U.S. federal government entities between 2020 and 2022.
Kasatkin’s arrest occurred following a formal legal request from U.S. authorities, which prompted French judicial authorities to investigate and detain the individual. The case underscores the increasing cooperation between international law enforcement agencies in combating transnational cybercrime.
According to the indictment, the hacking group engaged in extensive cyber operations, including the deployment of sophisticated malware and data exfiltration techniques to steal sensitive information from corporate networks and government systems. The financial proceeds from these cyberattacks are alleged to have been funneled through a network of intermediaries, including individuals like Kasatkin, who may have acted as a facilitator in the exchange of illicit funds.
The legal proceedings in France are expected to involve a complex examination of international evidence, extradition agreements, and the potential for Kasatkin to face additional charges in the United States. The case has drawn attention to the growing role of individuals in high-profile international sports circles in facilitating cybercrime activities, raising questions about the intersection of sports, finance, and national security issues.