Ransomware Negotiator Pleads Guilty to Aiding BlackCat Attacks in 2023
Ransomware Negotiator Pleads Guilty to Aiding BlackCat Attacks in 2023 — Ravie LakshmananApr 21, 2026Insider Threat / Cybercrime [https://blogger.googleuser
What’s new: Angelo Martino, a ransomware negotiator, pleaded guilty to aiding BlackCat ransomware attacks against U.S. companies from April to November 2023. He provided confidential information to the attackers, which helped them extract higher ransoms from victims. Martino, along with two other incident responders, extorted approximately $1.2 million from one victim and laundered the proceeds. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for July 9, 2026.
Who’s affected
U.S. companies that were victims of BlackCat ransomware attacks during the specified period may have been impacted by Martino’s actions, as he compromised their negotiation strategies and insurance details.
What to do
- Review and strengthen incident response protocols to prevent insider threats.
- Ensure that all personnel involved in negotiations are vetted and trained to avoid conflicts of interest.
- Implement monitoring systems to detect unusual activities related to sensitive negotiations.
