According to a Russian Telegram channel focused on sports news, U.S. authorities had been tracking Kasatkin since early 2025, and the arrest warrant was issued just one day before his arrival in France. Local media, citing court proceedings in Paris, reported that Kasatkin allegedly helped negotiate ransom payments, though the extent of the damage caused by the attacks has not been disclosed. A Russian professional basketball player has been arrested in France at the request of the United States, which accused him of being involved in a ransomware group that allegedly targeted hundreds of American companies and federal institutions. The club, which announced his departure on July 3, said it was “shocked” by the arrest and described him as a “responsible, professional young athlete.” Kasatkin played 172 matches over four seasons with MBA and won two Russian Cup bronze medals. The Russian Foreign Ministry said its embassy in Paris is providing assistance but has not yet been granted consular access to Kasatkin. Daniil Kasatkin, 26, was detained in June at Paris’s Charles de Gaulle Airport shortly after arriving in the country with his fiancée, according to local media reports. Kasatkin has been allowed to contact his fiancée, Anna, who is currently in Paris and working with lawyers on his case. His lawyer, Frédéric Bélot, told reporters that the athlete is “stunned” by the accusations and insisted Kasatkin lacks any technical expertise. The unnamed ransomware network Kasatkin is suspected of being part of is believed to have targeted nearly 900 entities between 2020 and 2022. Kasatkin, who said he does not feel safe in prison because of Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, claimed to have lost six kilograms while in detention. “Our diplomats have requested permission from the local authorities to visit him, but we have not received a response yet,” ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told local media.
This Cyber News was published on therecord.media. Publication date: Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:25:16 +0000