The former Microsoft employee who had been charged with, and initially plead not guilty to, helping launder the gains made through the distribution of Reveton ransomware has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Raymond Odigie Uadiale, of Washington, had plead not guilty in April 2018 to two counts, money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering, according to court documents. In June he reversed his initial plea and entered into an agreement with the U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Greenberg for the Southern District of Florida that had him plead guilty to the lesser charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering with the government dismissing the substantive count.
The plea agreement detailed Uadiale's participation stating he helped cash out the payment of those hit with Reveton ransomware, the Department of Justice said. Infected computers would display a screen containing a law enforcement logo displaying a false statement that the computer stored illegal material and the owner had to pay a fine in order to regain control of the computer. The money was to be transferred using a GreenDot MoneyPak.
“By cashing out and then laundering victim payments, Raymond Uadiale played an essential role in an international criminal operation that victimized unsuspecting Americans by infecting their computers with malicious ransomware,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski.
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