Tracking a hacker who extorted millions through ransomware attacks - The Fifth Estate

The rise of ransomware attacks has become a major concern for individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide. Cybercriminals behind these attacks often use sophisticated tactics to extort millions of dollars from their victims. One such case is that of Sebastien Vachon-Desjardins, a Canadian government worker who led a secret life as a hacker with NetWalker, a criminal ransomware gang. In this article, we examine how Vachon-Desjardins amassed millions of dollars in bitcoin by threatening to expose the private digital information of victims if they didn’t pay up, how he got caught, and the digital trail of destruction he left behind.
The Ransomware Attack
Vachon-Desjardins was a member of the NetWalker ransomware gang, which was responsible for several high-profile attacks in Canada and the United States. In these attacks, the gang would gain access to a victim's computer network, encrypt their files, and demand a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. If the victim refused to pay, the gang would threaten to release sensitive information, including personal data, financial records, and confidential company information.
The Extortion Scheme
Vachon-Desjardins was a key player in the NetWalker gang's extortion scheme. He used his knowledge of government computer systems to identify vulnerable targets, including hospitals, schools, and municipal governments. He would then infiltrate their networks, encrypt their files, and demand a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. In total, he extorted millions of dollars in bitcoin from his victims.
The Digital Trail of Destruction
Vachon-Desjardins' reign of terror came to an end when law enforcement agencies in Canada and the United States launched a joint investigation into the NetWalker gang. They were able to track the digital trail of destruction left behind by the gang, which led them straight to Vachon-Desjardins. Using advanced digital forensics techniques, they were able to trace his bitcoin transactions, identify his IP address, and track his movements.
The Arrest and Conviction
Vachon-Desjardins was arrested in Montreal in October 2020 and charged with several counts of fraud and extortion. He pleaded guilty to the charges in January 2021 and was sentenced to seven years in prison. The Canadian government also seized his assets, which included millions of dollars in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Conclusion
The case of Sebastien Vachon-Desjardins is a cautionary tale of the dangers of ransomware attacks and the consequences of cybercrime. The rise of ransomware attacks has become a major threat to businesses and governments worldwide, and it's up to all of us to take steps to protect ourselves from these attacks. By staying informed, using strong passwords, keeping our software up to date, and being cautious when opening email attachments, we can help prevent ransomware attacks and keep our digital lives safe.