The United States Department of the Treasury has announced sanctions against Russian national Sergey Zelenyuk and his company, Operation Zero, along with several associated individuals and entities. They are accused of stealing and selling cyber tools developed for the US government.
According to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Operation Zero acquired at least eight cyber tools, specifically designed for the US government and its allies, which were stolen from an American company. These tools were subsequently resold to clients in non-NATO countries, including foreign intelligence agencies.
The sanctions also extend to Zelenyuk’s assistant, Marina Vasanovich, and his controlled company, Special Technology Services LLC, based in the UAE. Additionally, Azizhon Mamashoev and Oleg Kucherov, linked to the Russian cybercriminal group Trickbot, are included in the sanctions. The company Advance Security Solutions, established by Mamashoev, is also affected.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen commented on the sanctions, stating, “If you steal American secrets, we will hold you accountable.”
The sanctions entail the freezing of assets within the US and prohibit any transactions with the sanctioned individuals. Violations of these measures may result in civil or criminal penalties.
The US Treasury has imposed sanctions on Sergey Zelenyuk and his associates for cyber theft involving US government tools. The measures include asset freezes and transaction bans.