Australia has imposed financial sanctions and travel bans on three senior members of the notorious Evil Corp cybercrime group, intensifying its efforts to combat malicious cyber activity.
The sanctions target Maksim Viktorovich Yakubets, Igor Olegovich Turashev, and Aleksandr Viktorovich Ryzhenkov, who have played key roles in one of the world’s most prolific cybercrime syndicates.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong emphasised Australia’s leadership in using autonomous cyber sanctions to safeguard its citizens.
“We are using all elements of our national power to keep Australians safe and promote a rules-based cyberspace, grounded in international law,” she said.
For over a decade, Evil Corp has orchestrated major cyber incidents, including ransomware attacks across Europe, the UK, and the US, causing millions of dollars in losses and crippling critical health systems, national infrastructure, and government sectors.
The sanctions, announced today, make it a criminal offence to provide assets to these individuals or to deal with their assets. Additionally, they are barred from entering Australia. This move is part of a coordinated international effort, involving the UK and the US, to disrupt Evil Corp’s activities and deter further cybercrime.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles MP highlighted the significance of these sanctions.
“Malicious cyber actors continue to target governments, critical infrastructure, and households globally. These sanctions are an important tool in deterring cybercrime and protecting Australians,” Marles said, urging businesses and individuals to remain vigilant about their cybersecurity.
The sanctions come as Australia faces increasing ransomware threats across critical sectors, including infrastructure, government, and industry. The government urges Australians to back up data and exercise caution online, while also discouraging the payment of ransoms to cybercriminals.
Minister for Cyber Security Tony Burke MP reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening Australia’s cyber defences.
“These sanctions are another example of our commitment to working with international partners to dismantle criminal organisations built on ransomware,” Burke stated.
Victims of ransomware attacks are advised to contact the Australian Signals Directorate via the Cyber Security Hotline or file a report online, while more information is available on the Australian Signals Directorate’s Ransomware page.
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