Ransomware affiliate jailed for Nefilim and Hive attacks
Artem Stryzhak has been sentenced by a New York federal court to 70 months in prison for working as an affiliate of the Nefilim and Hive ransomware operations. Prosecutors say he helped attack businesses and other victims, including during the COVID-19 pandemic; US authorities say the groups caused more than $100 million in damages.
Stryzhak allegedly joined Nefilim in 2021 and agreed to give its operators 20 per cent of ransom proceeds, with attacks aimed at wealthy companies in the US, Canada and Australia. He was also among Hive’s early affiliates and is accused of attacking about seven victims; one Ohio hospital paid roughly $1.7 million in Bitcoin. Spanish police arrested him in June 2024, and he was extradited to the US in April 2025; rewards of up to $11 million are available for information about alleged Nefilim operator Volodymyr Tymoshchuk and other suspects.
In short
- Ransomware affiliate Artem Stryzhak received a 70-month sentence.
- Prosecutors linked him to Nefilim and Hive attacks.
- US rewards of up to $11 million target key suspects.
Explained simply
Ransomware is malicious software that locks or steals an organisation’s data, with attackers demanding payment to restore access or prevent its release. Some ransomware groups work through affiliates, who carry out attacks and share part of any ransom with the group’s operators.
Nefilim and Hive were ransomware operations that targeted organisations in several countries. US authorities say attacks linked to the groups caused more than $100 million in damage, and a hospital in Ohio was among the victims.
The case involves alleged attacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, when hospitals and businesses relied heavily on digital systems. It also highlights how investigators pursue people accused of carrying out cyberattacks across national borders.
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Originally published by The Register as “Serial ransomware crook gets 70 months behind bars for Nefilim, Hive roles”.