Seoul: One Russian and one Vietnamese suspect were recently extradited to the United States after being apprehended in South Korea earlier this year, the justice ministry said Tuesday. The extradition follows investigations into their alleged criminal activities involving ransomware and financial concealment.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Russian suspect is under investigation by U.S. authorities on suspicions of using ransomware to encrypt data at multiple U.S. companies. It is alleged that the suspect extorted US$16 million worth of bitcoin in exchange for the decryption of this data.

The Vietnamese suspect is also under U.S. investigation for allegedly concealing $67 million worth of criminal proceeds. These funds were reportedly hidden in a bank account under the name of a U.S.-based media group.

The South Korean justice ministry stated that the suspects were tracked after receiving a court warrant. This followed a request for their arrest from the U.S. government in May. The apprehension of the
suspects occurred at Incheon International Airport, South Korea’s main gateway, in May and June.