Two US cybersecurity experts sentenced in ransomware case, third awaits July ruling
Two US cybersecurity experts sentenced in ransomware case, third awaits July ruling
Publish Date: 2026-05-02 11:43:00
Source Domain: securityaffairs.com
Two US cybersecurity experts sentenced in ransomware case, third awaits July ruling
Pierluigi Paganini
May 02, 2026
Two US security experts were sentenced to 4 years for helping ransomware attacks. A third accomplice pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
Two US cybersecurity professionals, Ryan Goldberg and Kevin Martin, were sentenced to four years in prison for their role in supporting ransomware attacks. Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy involving extortion. A third individual, Angelo Martino, also admitted involvement in the scheme and is currently awaiting sentencing that is scheduled for July 9. The case highlights how even security experts can take part in cybercrime activities.
“Ryan Goldberg, 40, of Georgia, and Kevin Martin, 36, of Texas, were sentenced.” reads the press release published by DoJ. “According to court documents, they and another co-conspirator, Angelo Martino, 41, of Florida, successfully deployed the ransomware known as ALPHV BlackCat between April 2023 and December 2023 against multiple victims located throughout the United States.”
In January, the two U.S. cybersecurity professionals pleaded guilty to charges tied to their roles in BlackCat/Alphv ransomware attacks that occurred in 2023.
Court records show Ryan Goldberg, Kevin Martin, and Martino deployed ALPHV BlackCat ransomware against U.S. victims from April to December 2023, sharing 20% of ransoms with operators. Despite working in cybersecurity, they extorted about $1.2M in Bitcoin from one victim, split the proceeds, and laundered the funds.
“According to court documents, Ryan Goldberg, 40, of Georgia, Kevin Martin, 36, of Texas, and another co-conspirator successfully deployed the ransomware known as ALPHV BlackCat between April 2023 and December 2023 against multiple victims located throughout the United States.” reads the press release published by DoJ. “All three men worked…
