Armenian National Sentenced for Ryuk Ransomware Scheme

• •Karen Vardanyan sentenced to 2 years for Ryuk ransomware attacks.
• •Victims included U.S. companies, with over $1.2 million in restitution ordered.
• •Ransomware payments were made using cryptocurrency.

Karen Vardanyan, a 35-year-old Armenian citizen extradited from Ukraine, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for his involvement in a Ryuk ransomware scheme that targeted U.S. companies, including one in Oregon. He was ordered to pay $1,219,106 in restitution and will serve three years of supervised release. The ransomware attacks occurred from March 2019 to June 2020, affecting various organizations worldwide. Vardanyan pleaded guilty to conspiracy and computer fraud charges, having used the aliases Maneeken and Karl Lagerfeld. The FBI investigated the case, and the U.S. Attorney's Office announced the sentencing. Payments in the scheme were made using cryptocurrency, primarily Bitcoin. This case highlights ongoing issues related to ransomware and international cybercrime.