Romanian Gets 20-Year Sentence for NetWalker Ransomware Crimes

A Romanian national received a 20-year prison sentence for his instrumental role in the notorious NetWalker ransomware attacks.

The sentencing by a US court followed the perpetrator’s plea of guilty to computer fraud conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy in June 2023.

Daniel Cristian Hulea engaged in criminal activity across continents, targeting critical sectors, including healthcare organizations, during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Global crime network unmasked

Hulea was a key operator in the infamous NetWalker ransomware group, which has been operating as a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) operation since 2019.

The cybercrime syndicate’s main specialty was exploiting network vulnerabilities, encrypting critical data and extorting victims for exorbitant ransoms.

The culprit admitted to extorting victims worldwide of a combined 1,595 Bitcoin, worth approximately $21.5 million.

According to a US Department of Justice (DoJ) press release, Hulea was “ordered to forfeit $21,500,000 and his interests in an Indonesian limited liability company and associated luxury resort property under construction in Bali, Indonesia — a business venture he financed with proceeds from the attacks. He was also ordered to pay $14,991,580.01 in restitution.”

A brief history of NetWalker’s malicious activity

NetWalker’s modus operandi was particularly concerning during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, as it targeted healthcare organizations when they were most vulnerable.

The ransomware disrupted critical services, endangering lives and crippling institutions already fatigued by the global health crisis. In an August 2020 security advisory, the FBI warned of NetWalker’s focus on government and healthcare entities.

The group employed a RaaS model, facilitating an extensive toolkit for cybercriminals to launch attacks in exchange for a cut of the illicit profits. The cybercrime syndicate’s RaaS approach propagated NetWalker’s reach and impact, turning it into one of the most prolific ransomware groups.

Keeping ransomware at bay

Unfortunately, ransomware remains one of the most ruthless forms of cybercrime, encrypting victims’ data while operators demand payment for its release.

Comprehensive security solutions like Bitdefender Ultimate Security can help combat ransomware attempts and other cyber threats, including viruses, Trojans, worms, spyware, rootkits, and zero-day exploits.

Its key features include comprehensive, continuous data protection, network threat prevention, behavioral detection for active apps, AI-assisted scam protection, multi-layer ransomware protection, as well as anti-phishing, anti-fraud and antispam modules.