Romanian National Sentenced to 20 Years for NetWalker Ransomware Attacks

by do son · December 19, 2024

A Romanian man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in the devastating NetWalker ransomware attacks. Daniel Christian Hulea, 30, was also ordered to forfeit over $21 million and pay restitution exceeding $14 million to his victims.

Hulea pleaded guilty in June to charges of computer fraud conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy. According to the Department of Justice, Hulea admitted to “participating in a conspiracy to use a sophisticated form of ransomware known as NetWalker.” This ransomware strain wreaked havoc across the globe, targeting a wide range of entities, from private companies and municipalities to hospitals and educational institutions.

“NetWalker ransomware has been used to target hundreds of victims all over the world, including companies, municipalities, hospitals, law enforcement, emergency services, school districts, colleges, and universities,” the DOJ stated in a press release. Shockingly, the perpetrators even exploited the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically targeting the healthcare sector during this global crisis.

Hulea confessed to amassing approximately 1,595 Bitcoin in ransom payments, which amounted to roughly $21,500,000 at the time. This ill-gotten wealth was used, in part, to finance a luxury resort property under construction in Bali, Indonesia – an asset he has now been forced to forfeit.

Romanian law enforcement arrested Hulea on July 11, 2023, following a U.S. request under the extradition treaty between the two nations. Hulea’s extradition to the U.S. involved efforts by the FBI Tampa Field Office and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, with logistical support from the U.S. Marshals Service.