Two Americans have admitted to using ransomware to attack multiple U.S. victims, with the amount involved estimated at $1.2 million.

Two Americans have pleaded guilty to using ransomware to attack multiple U.S. victims, totaling approximately $1.2 million. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, two American men have pleaded guilty to using the ALPHAV BlackCat ransomware to attack multiple targets in the United States. Ryan Goldberg (40), from Georgia, and Kevin Martin (36), from Texas, admitted to deploying the ALPHAV BlackCat ransomware between April and December 2023. Both are cybersecurity professionals who, along with another conspirator, paid 20% of the ransom to ALPHAV BlackCat administrators in exchange for access to the ransomware. After successfully extorting approximately $1.2 million in Bitcoin from one victim, the three split 80% of the ransom and laundered the money through various means. The two defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on March 12, 2026, and could face up to 20 years in prison.