$3 MILLION REWARD FOR ARRESTING A RUSSIAN HACKER – FBI

The US State Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation has offered a $3m (£1.94m) reward for information on a Russian hacker Evgeniy Mikhailovich Bogachev, one of the most wanted hacking suspects.This is the highest reward offered by the US authorities in a cybercrime case.

Bogachev, whom FBI agents describe as “brilliant,” is believed to be living openly in the Russian beach town of Anapa, on the Black Sea east of Crimea. He is known to sail his yacht between resorts, the bureau said.The FBI distributed “Wanted” posters around the world showing Bogachev leaning back in a striped polo shirt, smiling, with his head shaved.

Evgeniy Mikhailovich Bogachev, also known under the aliases “lucky12345,” “Slavik,” and “Pollingsoon,” was the mastermind behind the GameOver Zeus botnet, which was allegedly used by cybercriminals to infect more than 1 Million computers and resulted in more than $100 Million in losses since 2011.

The authorities charged Bogachev with conspiracy, computer hacking, wire fraud, bank fraud and money laundering under a 14-count indictment last year.

“We are turning to the world again for assistance in locating Bogachev,” said FBI assistant director Joseph Demarest. “While he is known to reside in Russia, he may travel. With this $3 million reward incentive, someone, somewhere may see him and let the authorities know his whereabouts.”