Mark Sokolovsky, a 28-year-old Ukrainian national, has pleaded guilty in the United States to multiple charges related to his involvement in the notorious Raccoon Infostealer malware operation. Sokolovsky faces charges including computer hacking, fraud, identity theft, and money laundering.
Sokolovsky was arrested in the Netherlands in March 2022, following an international law enforcement operation that simultaneously dismantled the infrastructure supporting Raccoon Infostealer. In February 2024, he was extradited to the US to face trial.
According to court documents, Sokolovsky conspired to operate Raccoon Infostealer as a Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS). Cybercriminals could lease access to the malware for approximately $200 per month, paid in cryptocurrency, to steal sensitive personal data from victims. The malware was typically deployed via phishing campaigns, which tricked users into unknowingly downloading the malicious software onto their devices.
Once installed, Raccoon Infostealer would harvest login credentials, financial details, and other personal records. The stolen data was then used for financial fraud or sold on underground cybercrime forums.
In addition to his guilty plea, Sokolovsky has agreed to a forfeiture of $23,975 and restitution payments totaling at least $910,844.61 to victims of his crimes.