He hijacked ads, infected computers, and helped hold data hostage — all from behind a screen.In this episode of Fugitive Files, we delve into the cybercriminal world of Andrei Tarasov, the Russian national better known in underground forums as “Aels” or “Lavander.” Alongside co-conspirators Maksim Silnikau and Volodymyr Kadariya, Tarasov is accused of running a sophisticated malvertising and malware operation that infected thousands of computers across the globe.Authorities say Tarasov helped deploy the Angler exploit kit and Ransom Cartel ransomware, tools that silently compromised users through poisoned online ads, locking victims out of their systems until hefty ransoms were paid.He was eventually indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice for:Wire fraudConspiracy to commit computer fraudDistribution of malicious softwareIn a rare twist, Tarasov was arrested in Germany — but released due to insufficient grounds for extradition. He returned to Russia, where he now lives freely, out of reach of U.S. law enforcement. Despite his legal exposure, Tarasov reportedly maintains a low profile on cybercrime forums, making him a symbol of the challenges of prosecuting transnational hackers protected by borders and politics.Meanwhile, the U.S. Secret Service continues to pursue his associates, offering a reward for information leading to their arrest.This is Fugitive Files. Let’s get into it.
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He hijacked ads, infected computers, and helped hold data hostage — all from behind a screen.In this episode of Fugitive Files, we delve into the cybercriminal world of Andrei Tarasov, the Russian national better known in underground forums as “Aels” or “Lavander.” Alongside co-conspirators Maksim Silnikau and Volodymyr Kadariya, Tarasov is accused of running a sophisticated malvertising and malware operation that infected thousands of computers across the globe.Authorities say Tarasov helped de...