Ukrainian-Russian Dual Citizen Pleads Guilty to Running International Money Laundering Organization for Cybercriminals

Oleg Korniev, 42, a dual citizen of Ukraine and Russia, pleaded guilty today to running a sophisticated international money laundering organization that laundered millions of dollars stolen from United States victims by cybercriminals around the world. In total, this international criminal organization recruited over 15,000 U.S.-based money mules to launder at least $10 million stolen by hackers from over 750 U.S. bank accounts.

“Money mules play crucial roles in cybercrime, so the Justice Department pursues mules and their recruiters wherever they operate and however long it takes,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Alongside our international partners, we will dismantle criminal networks that attack Americans. No amount of distance or time puts these criminals beyond the reach of justice.”

“Just because you are outside the borders of the United States does not mean you will get away with defrauding U.S. Citizens and businesses,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson for the Western District of North Carolina. “We will work hard to bring you to justice, as we did in this case.”

“For years, the FBI has worked tirelessly to unravel the layers of this international money laundering operation and bring Mr. Korniev to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis of FBI North Carolina. “This case reflects the Bureau’s enduring commitment to following the evidence — no matter how long it takes, how far it leads, or how deliberately criminals try to hide behind borders and technology. We will continue pursuing those who enable cybercriminals until every responsible individual is held to account.”