DOJ charges Ukrainian in Russian cyberattacks; $10M reward
The Justice Department arraigned Ukrainian national Victoria Eduardovna Dubranova, 33, on a second federal indictment this week, alleging she aided Russian‑backed groups CyberArmyofRussia_Reborn (CARR) and NoName057(16) in dozens of cyberattacks on U.S. critical infrastructure. The State Department’s Rewards for Justice program offered up to $10 million for information on others tied to NoName057(16), as officials detailed attacks that damaged U.S. water systems and a 2024 breach at a Los Angeles meat plant; Dubranova pleaded not guilty and faces trials in February and April 2026.
📌 Key Facts
- Defendant: Victoria E. Dubranova, 33; arraigned Tuesday; pleaded not guilty; extradited earlier this year.
- Alleged ties: CARR (linked by DOJ to Russia’s GRU) and NoName057(16), which claims 1,500+ attacks (Mar 2022–Jun 2025).
- Impacts cited: Water‑system damage spilling hundreds of thousands of gallons; Nov. 2024 LA meat facility breach with spoiled product and ammonia release.
- State Department bounty: Up to $10 million for information on NoName057(16) participants.
- Potential penalties: Up to 27 years (CARR matter) and up to 5 years (NoName case); trials set for Feb and Apr 2026.
📊 Relevant Data
The number of Russian attacks with physical effects, including cyberattacks, nearly tripled from 12 in 2023 to 34 in 2024.
China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea sponsored 77 percent of all suspected state-sponsored cyber operations since 2005.
Cyber Operations Tracker — Council on Foreign Relations
Roughly 70% of all cyberattacks in 2024 involved critical infrastructure.
US Homeland Security Committee warns of rising cyber threats, as federal shutdown and lapsed law hamper defenses — Industrial Cyber