Ransomware Negotiator Who Colluded with Attackers Sentenced to 70 Months

Angelo Martino, a negotiator hired to assist ransomware victims, has been sentenced to 70 months in prison for conspiring with attackers. Martino worked for DigitalMint and was assigned to handle negotiations for five victims. Instead of protecting their interests, he collaborated with the BlackCat (also known as ALPHV) ransomware group, sharing confidential negotiation strategies and positions to help them maximize ransom demands.

Martino pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by extortion. While his plea agreement sought a 24-month sentence, the court imposed 70 months. Law enforcement seized $10 million in assets obtained through the scheme. Additionally, Martino must pay 10% of his future salary after release to compensate victims. The victims—four companies and a nonprofit—paid ransoms ranging from $213,000 to $26.8 million, totaling over $75 million.

The FBI developed a decryption tool that helped over 500 victims avoid paying more than $68 million in ransoms. The government continues to pursue BlackCat administrators and affiliates, offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to their capture.