Athlete or Hacker? Russian basketball player accused in U.S. ransomware case
July 11, 2025 
Russian basketball player arrested in France over alleged ties to a ransomware group accused of targeting U.S. firms and federal institutions.
Russian basketball player Daniil Kasatkin (26) was arrested in France in June at the request of the U.S. over alleged ties to a ransomware group targeting hundreds of U.S. companies and federal entities. He was detained at Charles de Gaulle Airport and is now in extradition custody. Kasatkin, who once studied and played at Penn State, faces a U.S. arrest warrant for “conspiracy to commit computer fraud” and “computer fraud conspiracy.”
Kasatkin is suspected of aiding a ransomware group that targeted over 900 entities from 2020 to 2022, allegedly helping negotiate ransoms.
The Russian national is accused of helping negotiate ransomware payments, though the full impact of the attacks remains unclear. Kasatkin denies all charges, and his lawyer says he’s “stunned” by the claims, arguing the athlete has no technical skills to be involved.
“He bought a second-hand computer. He did absolutely nothing,” Kasatkin’s lawyer, Frédéric Bélot, told reporters. “He’s useless with computers and can’t even install an application.”
The lawyer unsuccessfully requested his release, citing the impact of detention on his health and career. The athlete has lost weight in prison, lacks access to training, and feels unsafe due to Russia’s conflict with Ukraine.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry says its Paris embassy is assisting Kasatkin but has not yet been granted consular access, despite requesting a visit.
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