Florida Ransomware Negotiator Convicted for Aiding Extortion Gang

Floridian Angelo Martino has been sentenced to over five years in prison in the United States. He was convicted of conspiring to deploy ransomware during his work as a ransomware negotiator for a U.S. cybersecurity firm.

The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed the sentence on Thursday, noting that authorities seized over $10 million in cryptocurrency and assets. Martino allegedly used funds stolen in the hacks to purchase these assets, including a food truck and a luxury fishing boat.

Martino is the third individual to be jailed for the scheme, following earlier incarcerations of other involved parties. The case highlights ongoing cybersecurity challenges and the misuse of insider information in critical negotiation contexts.