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Australia sanctions Russian cybercrime providers over ransomware operations

Thursday 20 November 2025 - 08:30

By: Sahili Aya

Australia sanctions Russian cybercrime providers over ransomware operations

Australia announced on Thursday a new round of sanctions targeting two Russian cybercrime service providers accused of supporting ransomware attacks against Australian and international networks.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong, issuing a joint statement with Defense Minister Richard Marles and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, said the decision was coordinated with partners in the United States and the United Kingdom as part of broader efforts to counter malicious cyber activity.

“By working closely with our international partners, we will continue taking action to disrupt cybercrime originating from Russia and ensure those responsible are held to account,” Wong said.

The measures target Media Land LLC, its sister company ML Cloud, and two senior employees — Aleksandr Alexandrovich Volosovik and Kirill Andreevich Zatolokin — accused of providing infrastructure used to execute global ransomware campaigns.

According to the government, the sanctioned firms supplied servers and technology that enabled cybercriminals to carry out attacks affecting businesses, institutions, and government systems across Australia and abroad.

Under the sanctions regime, it is now a criminal offense to provide assets to, or handle the assets of, the listed companies and individuals. Violations could lead to up to 10 years in prison and substantial financial penalties. Both Volosovik and Zatolokin are also prohibited from entering Australia.