An Ontario man has pleaded guilty to charges of hacking into the computer systems of several US government agencies and businesses.
According to court documents, 28-year-old Karim Baratov admitted to participating in a scheme to steal sensitive information from Yahoo, Google, and other companies on behalf of Russian intelligence agents.
Baratov, who was arrested in 2017, initially denied any involvement in the cyber attacks. However, he changed his plea to guilty on Wednesday in a US federal court.
The Canadian citizen faces up to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit computer fraud and eight counts of aggravated identity theft. He is scheduled to be sentenced in February 2020.
The hacking scheme, which took place between 2014 and 2016, targeted the email accounts of thousands of individuals, including US government officials, journalists, and business executives.
Baratov’s role in the operation was to hack into the accounts of specific individuals and obtain their login credentials. He then provided this information to his co-conspirators, who used it to gain access to the targeted accounts.
The stolen information was then used for various purposes, including espionage and financial gain.
US authorities have also charged three other individuals, including two Russian intelligence agents, in connection with the cyber attacks. However, they remain at large and are unlikely to face trial in the US.
Baratov’s guilty plea is a significant development in the case, as it is the first time that anyone involved in the hacking scheme has admitted to their role.
In a statement, US Attorney David L. Anderson said, “This case highlights the importance of cooperation between nations in the fight against cybercrime. We will continue to work with our international partners to bring cyber criminals to justice.”
Baratov’s lawyer, Andrew Mancilla, stated that his client is remorseful for his actions and is cooperating with authorities. He also emphasized that Baratov did not know he was working for Russian intelligence agents and was simply a “hacker for hire.”
The case has raised concerns about the vulnerability of personal information and the need for stronger cybersecurity measures. It also serves as a reminder that cyber attacks can have serious consequences and those involved will be held accountable.
As the sentencing date approaches, the focus will now shift to the punishment that Baratov will face for his role in the hacking scheme.
