A Romanian man has been handed a 20-year prison sentence for his involvement in the notorious NetWalker ransomware attacks, a cybercrime scheme that targeted numerous victims worldwide. Daniel Christian Hulea, a 30-year-old from Cluj, Romania, was a pivotal figure in the operation which struck critical sectors such as healthcare, municipalities, and educational institutions, causing widespread havoc.
The sentencing, which took place in the Middle District of Florida, also involved a forfeiture order of $21.5 million in illicit proceeds that Hulea had amassed through the ransomware scheme. Additionally, he was ordered to pay $14,991,580.01 in restitution to the victims who suffered financial losses as a result of the attacks.
Hulea’s guilty plea in June included charges of conspiracy to commit computer fraud and wire fraud. According to U.S. government court documents, he utilized the sophisticated NetWalker ransomware to extort approximately 1,595 bitcoins in ransom payments, which equated to $21.5 million at the time of the transactions. These ill-gotten gains funded extravagant investments, including a luxury resort property that was under construction in Bali, Indonesia.
The case against Hulea represents a significant milestone in international law enforcement cooperation. Romanian authorities apprehended him in Cluj on July 11, 2023, following a request from the United States. He was subsequently extradited under the U.S.-Romania extradition treaty, demonstrating the commitment of both countries to combating cybercrime on a global scale.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in bringing Hulea to justice, emphasizing the necessity of holding cybercriminals accountable for their actions. U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida and FBI Tampa Field Office Special Agent in Charge Matthew W. Fodor echoed these sentiments, highlighting the extensive investigation that led to Hulea’s arrest and conviction.
The FBI Tampa Field Office spearheaded the investigation into the NetWalker ransomware attacks, with crucial support from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the U.S. Marshals Service, which facilitated Hulea’s extradition. Trial Attorney Sonia V. Jimenez and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlton C. Gammons and Suzanne Nebesky played integral roles in prosecuting the case, ensuring that justice was served.
The sentencing of Daniel Christian Hulea underscores the message that cybercriminals will face severe consequences for their actions and reinforces the global commitment to combatting ransomware operations. This case serves as a warning to others who may seek to engage in similar criminal activities, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in tackling cyber threats.
Overall, the successful prosecution of Hulea represents a victory for law enforcement agencies dedicated to safeguarding cyberspace and upholding the rule of law in the face of evolving digital threats. By holding cybercriminals accountable and dismantling their operations, authorities are working tirelessly to protect individuals, organizations, and societies from the harms of ransomware attacks.