U.S. Treasury Sanctions Russian Exploit Broker Over Crypto-Funded Cyber Theft

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has sanctioned Sergey Sergeyevich Zelenyuk, his company Operation Zero, and several associates for operating a Russian exploit brokerage network. This network purchased stolen U.S. government cyber tools – obtained by a former defense contractor employee, Peter Williams, in exchange for cryptocurrency – and resold them to unauthorized buyers. This marks the first use of authorities under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act. The sanctions block any U.S. property interests of the designated parties and prohibit transactions with them. Operation Zero advertised bounties in crypto for exploits targeting U.S. systems and sold vulnerabilities to non-NATO countries, including foreign intelligence services. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that those who steal U.S. trade secrets will be held accountable.

(Source：Bitcoin Magazine)