The US government has set a maximum $10 million reward for information leading to the identity or imprisonment of members of the DarkSide ransomware and its rebrands.
The United States Department of State stated today that a $10 million reward is now being offered for the identity or whereabouts of DarkSide ransomware members in significant leadership roles.
Also, a $5 million reward is offered for information leading to the arrest of anyone who tries to carry out a Darkside operation.
DOS has also announced a maximum $5 million reward for information leading to the arrest or/and conviction in any jurisdiction of anyone conspiring to engage in or attempt to join in a DarkSide variant ransomware outbreak.
Tips can be sent to the FBI at https://tips.fbi.gov or through WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram. This incentive will apply to DarkSide rebrands, including the ransomware gang’s latest BlackMatter operation, as stated in the statement.
When ransomware groups feel the spotlight from law enforcement after hitting a highly sensitive institution, they frequently rebrand under a new moniker. After destroying the Colonial Pipeline and coming under the full notice of international law enforcement, DarkSide rebranded as BlackMater.
After “pressure from the police” and gang members going missing, BlackMatter recently shut down their activity. The Department of State’s reward on DarkSide demonstrates that changing the ransomware’s moniker won’t prevent law enforcement from following them.
The Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program (TOCRP) is offering the incentive.
In addition, the US government is offering a $10 million prize for information on state-sponsored hackers attacking critical infrastructure in the United States.
The US government thinks that by offering such enormous incentives, hackers would turn on each other and get a lawful, stress-free payment.
