Conti, Akira ransomware affiliate given 8-year sentence
Deniss Zolotarjovs pleaded guilty in July 2025 to money laundering and wire fraud charges after being arrested in the country of Georgia.
A Latvian ransomware affiliate was sentenced to more than eight years in prison for conducting attacks on behalf of several criminal brands including Conti and Akira.
Deniss Zolotarjovs pleaded guilty in July 2025 to money laundering and wire fraud charges after being arrested in the country of Georgia. He was extradited to the U.S. in August 2024 on accusations that he was a key ransomware operator who specialized in escalating pressure tactics during ransom negotiations with victims.
Zolotarjovs was specifically tasked with analyzing data stolen from victims, researching the companies and using the information to force victims into paying. He was typically brought in to close negotiations and was paid 10% of the ransom.
Source: https://therecord.media/conti-akira-ransomware-affiliate-sentenced
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