Russian National Used Malware To Target FL Law Firms: DOJ

TAMPA, FL — A Russian national is facing multiple federal charges after authorities said he used a malicious software program to steal the login credentials of tens of thousands of computers, including those connected to two Florida law firms, according to federal officials and a report.

Dariy Pankov, a citizen and resident of Russia, was taken into custody by authorities in the Republic of Georgia on Oct. 4, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida. He was later extradited to the United States.

Pankov is charged with conspiracy, access device fraud and computer fraud, authorities said. He could spend up to 47 years in federal prison if convicted on all counts.

He was charged in Tampa because at least two of his victims are Florida law firms, according to a Tampa Bay Times report. Neither firm is named in court records.

According to the indictment, Pankoc created a malicious software program named "NLBrute," capable of compromising protected computers by decrypting login credentials such as passwords.

Pankov used the software to steal the login credentials of tens of thousands of computers located all over the world, authorities said. Authorities said he then sold the credentials on an unnamed website and had others sell them for him.

Once the credentials were sold, they were used in various illegal activities, including ransomware attacks and tax fraud.

Authorities said Pankov attempted to sell the credentials of more than 35,000 compromised computers. He obtained more than $350,000 in illicit proceeds.

The FBI and IRS led the investigation.

Pankov appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Christopher Tuite on Tuesday in Tampa. He was ordered to remain in jail pending his trial.