The U.S. sanctions Russian hacker group Operation Zero for allegedly funding the theft of confidential software through cryptocurrency

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions against the Russian cybersecurity company Operation Zero and its head, Sergey Sergeyevich Zelenyuk, due to allegations that the company funded activities aimed at stealing U.S. trade secrets through cryptocurrency.

The sanctions also include five other related individuals, accused of using cyber attack tools to threaten U.S. national security. This action stems from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice last year. An Australian citizen, Peter Williams, has admitted to stealing proprietary software from the U.S. defense contractor he worked for and providing the secrets to Operation Zero in exchange for millions of dollars in cryptocurrency.

Williams has pleaded guilty to two counts of trade secret theft. The U.S. Treasury stated that Operation Zero primarily engages in the trading of exploit tools, which can exploit software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access, steal data, or control devices. The company also pays individuals who carry out attacks through a bounty system. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that if anyone steals U.S. trade secrets, the U.S. government will hold them accountable and will continue to protect sensitive technology and national security.