The ransomware group Conti has only been around for two years, but in that short time it has emerged as one of the most successful online extortion groups of all time. Last year alone, it generated an eye-popping $180 million in revenue, according to the latest Crypto Crime Report published by virtual currency tracking firm Chainalysis.
The group almost exclusively targets companies with more than $100 million in annual revenues, which, in turn, allows it to routinely extract multimillion-dollar ransom payments from its victims.
Inside Conti leaks: The Panama Papers of ransomware
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Journalism recommendations for your weekend
The history of the Soviet war with Finland
A visual explainer of SWIFT, the global payments system now cut off to Russia Quartz
Quartz: “The Russian invasion of Ukraine has pushed the plumbing of financial transactions into the spotlight. Sanctions against Russia include a proposal to limit the country’s access to SWIFT, a platform for facilitating money transfers that is integrated into banking systems worldwide…”
Using News and Social Media for Finding Financial Assets – 5 Top Tips – Private investigator Marcy Phelps searches social media and online news for clients on a daily basis and recommends specific sources as useful for asset investigations. Phelps notes that not everything will show up in public records, and news and social media research helps fill in the gaps. Phelps shares a few examples of useful sources and strategies that made a difference for clients.
The latest notable journalism from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
It has now been a week since Russia invaded Ukraine. Wednesday’s headlines continued to paint a grim picture.
International law says Putin’s war against Ukraine is illegal. Does that matter? – Hurst Hannum, Professor of International Law, Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, Tufts University acknowledges that International laws are in place to prevent war and help protect civilians and combatants alike. But he further states that these laws are challenging to enforce and are unlikely to stop the unfolding Russia-Ukraine war.
The U.S. Can Turn Europe Into Putin’s NightmareLivemint
Oil prices soar as western allies discuss Russian import ban FT
Ukraine: Modi Expresses ‘Deep Concern’ to Zelensky; Russia Announces Ceasefire in 4 Cities The Wire
Ukraine Is A Sacrificial Pawn On The Imperial Chessboard Caitlin Johnstone
Western progressives must demand 3.5 more years of – no, permanent – Russophobia! The Saker
Australia plans submarine base as ‘autocrats’ take aim at the world order FT
Australia Plans Submarine Base That Can Host U.S. Vessels WSJ
Manchin calls for keeping no-fly zone as one option to help Ukraine The Hill
Possible End to Dollar Dominance?: Permanent Alterations to the World Order Post-Ukraine The Wire
Ukraine war ‘catastrophic for global food’ BBC
CAN RUSSIA NATIONALIZE LEASED AIRCRAFT FLEETS? Mentour Pilot
Macron keeps an open line to Putin as war in Ukraine rages AP
Pandora Papers: Ukraine leader seeks to justify offshore accounts Al Jazeera
Anti-aircraft missiles Germany offered Ukraine don’t work Yahoo
Explainer | What does Russia’s threat to torpedo Iran nuclear deal mean for oil prices and Asian economies? South China Morning Post
Ukraine conflict: What’s behind Southeast Asia’s muted response? Deutsche Welle
How useful are Turkish-made drones fighting in Ukraine? Deutsche Welle
Car Industry Woes Show How Global Conflicts Will Reshape Trade NYT
I’ve Been Warned Not To Talk About ThisYouTube (mr). Russell Brand.