Two men linked to the Scattered Spider hacking group were sentenced to five years and six months in prison on Thursday by the United Kingdom National Crime Agency and City of London Police. The pair pleaded guilty during their first court appearance at Woolwich Crown Court on June 22. British authorities identified them as members of the Scattered Spider cybercrime group, which has been connected to high-profile ransomware and cryptocurrency extortion attacks targeting companies in the UK and the US.
Scattered Spider Infiltrates London Transport Network
The hacking group was linked to the infiltration of London's public transport network in September 2024. The attack led to a reported 29 million British pounds ($38.9 million) in losses and recovery costs, according to the NCA press release.
Group Collects $115 Million from US Companies
US prosecutors linked the Scattered Spider group to collecting $115 million in crypto ransom payments from at least 47 US companies, according to a September press release from the Department of Justice. The group's attacks disrupted businesses and organizations nationwide, including critical infrastructure and the federal court system, US prosecutors said.
Caesars Entertainment Pays $15 Million Bitcoin Ransom
The group was accused of breaching Caesars Entertainment and stealing a large customer database in September 2023. The breach prompted the company to pay a $15 million ransom in Bitcoin (BTC).
FBI Seizes $36 Million from Group-Linked Wallets
In July 2024, the FBI seized about $36 million worth of cryptocurrency from Scattered Spider-linked wallets, according to the DOJ's September release. Investigators linked the group to at least 120 computer network intrusions. The FBI traced and seized digital assets tied to wallets allegedly controlled by members of the group as part of its investigation.
"These malicious attacks caused widespread disruption to US businesses and organizations, including critical infrastructure and the federal court system, highlighting the significant and growing threat posed by brazen cybercriminals," said Matthew Galeotti, then acting assistant attorney general of the Justice Department's Criminal Division.
FAQ
What sentence did the two Scattered Spider hackers receive?
Two men linked to the Scattered Spider hacking group were sentenced to five years and six months in prison on Thursday by the United Kingdom National Crime Agency and City of London Police. The pair pleaded guilty during their first court appearance at Woolwich Crown Court on June 22.
How much cryptocurrency did the Scattered Spider group extort from US companies?
US prosecutors linked the Scattered Spider group to collecting $115 million in crypto ransom payments from at least 47 US companies, according to a September press release from the Department of Justice. The FBI seized about $36 million worth of cryptocurrency from Scattered Spider-linked wallets in July 2024.
