EU to impose sanctions against Russian hackers wanted for cyberattacks against Estonia – media

The Council of the European Union will expand sanctions under the mechanism for countering cyberattacks, adding to the list three Russian citizens wanted for cyberattacks on Estonian computer systems in 2020.

As reported by Ukrinform, this was reported by the Sistema publication.

According to the draft document available to the editorial staff, the following will be subject to sanctions: Mykola Korchagin (born in 1997), Vitaliy Shevchenko (born in 1997), Yuriy Denisov (born in 1980).

All three are officers of the 29155th military unit of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces (GRU). They are suspected of participating in attacks on Estonia's critical infrastructure, illegal access to computer systems and theft of confidential data.

According to the EU, these cyberattacks were of an intelligence nature and threatened the security of the country and its allies.

It is noted that the suspects were identified during the international operation Toy Soldier, conducted by 15 intelligence agencies from different countries.

Following the results of the investigation, Estonia issued warrants for their arrest in absentia. The US has announced a reward of up to $10 million for information that will help detain these people.

According to Estonian Prosecutor General Vahura Verte, the suspects are in Russia, but when crossing the border with another country they risk being arrested and extradited to Estonia.

The GRU military unit 29155 is known for conducting sabotage and special operations in Europe. Among the most high-profile incidents are the poisoning of Sergei Skripal in the UK (2018), explosions at ammunition depots in the Czech Republic (2014) and an attempted coup in Montenegro (2016).