Group-IB CEO Arrested on Treason Charges in Russia

Ilya Sachkov, CEO of Group-IB, Detained in Russia

Ilya Sachkov, the co-founder and chief executive of the prominent Russian cybersecurity firm Group-IB, has been arrested and is currently being held by Russian authorities. The charges levied against him are related to treason.

Details of the Arrest and Allegations

Specifics surrounding Sachkov’s detention are presently limited. However, reports from Russian news outlets indicate that searches were conducted at Group-IB’s offices. According to Reuters, Sachkov was arrested on Tuesday and is accused of allegedly transmitting classified information to a foreign government.

These allegations have been denied by Sachkov, as reported by Tass, the Russian state news agency. The details of the alleged information transfer remain undisclosed at this time.

Group-IB’s Response

Group-IB has acknowledged the arrest of its CEO. A company spokesperson, however, refrained from providing extensive commentary. A statement released on the company’s website affirmed that Group-IB is reviewing the decision made by the Moscow court.

The company expressed its confidence in Sachkov’s innocence. Dmitry Volkov, a co-founder of Group-IB, will assume leadership responsibilities during Sachkov’s detention, which is ordered for a minimum of two months.

Operational Continuity

Group-IB has assured stakeholders that all of its divisions will continue to function normally despite Sachkov’s absence. The company intends to maintain its regular operations and service delivery.

The spokesperson declined to address the specific claims detailed in the Tass report. A conviction for treason in Russia carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment.

Company Background and History

Sachkov, aged 35, established Group-IB in 2003. Initially based in Russia, the company has since relocated its headquarters to Singapore.

Group-IB specializes in assisting organizations and governments with investigations into cyberattacks and online fraud. Its clientele includes prominent entities such as Interpol, Russian banks, and defense contractors.

Relocation to Singapore

The decision to move Group-IB’s headquarters to Singapore in 2018 followed accusations made by the U.S. government regarding Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Sachkov stated at the time that the company planned to invest $30 million in the new headquarters and hire 90 additional employees.

Sachkov had previously voiced criticism of the Russian government. He explained that the relocation was part of a broader strategy to foster business growth and maintain the company’s independence.

Past Legal Issues

In 2023, the U.S. Justice Department revealed a 2014 indictment against Nikita Kislitsin. The indictment alleged his involvement in a scheme to sell stolen credentials from Formspring in 2012. Kislitsin later joined Group-IB as its head of network security.

U.S. prosecutors did not implicate Group-IB in any wrongdoing. The company defended Kislitsin, stating that its internal investigations had found no evidence of misconduct on his part.

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