A Russian man, Denis Obrezko, has been arrested in Thailand on allegations of cyber-crime, with the United States seeking his extradition. Local police in Phuket confirmed the arrest, which occurred on November 6, 2023, following a coordinated operation involving the FBI and Thai authorities. Obrezko is believed to be linked to the cyber espionage group known as Void Blizzard, notorious for conducting attacks that align with Russian government interests.
The 35-year-old Obrezko was apprehended just a week after arriving in Thailand. According to the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) of Thailand, he was located in his hotel room, where law enforcement seized electronic devices including a notebook computer, a mobile phone, and a digital wallet for forensic analysis. “This individual had previously breached security systems and attacked government agencies in both Europe and the United States,” the CCIB stated.
Allegations Against Void Blizzard
The group Void Blizzard has been flagged by Microsoft Threat Intelligence (MTI) for targeting organizations that oppose Russian interests. Their operations have focused on sectors such as government, defense, media, non-governmental organizations, and healthcare in both the United States and Europe, with notable activities in Ukraine.
Researchers at MTI highlighted that Void Blizzard employs basic yet effective tactics to gain access to sensitive information. Techniques such as “password spraying,” where common passwords are used across multiple usernames, have been noted. “Despite the lack of sophistication in their initial access methods, Void Blizzard has been effective in gaining access to and collecting information from compromised organizations in critical sectors,” MTI reported.
The group frequently targets government and law enforcement entities, especially in NATO countries and those providing military or humanitarian support to Ukraine. Their operations have significantly impacted various sectors in Ukraine, including education, transportation, and defense.
Official Reactions and Next Steps
The arrest has drawn attention from Russian diplomatic channels. Ilya Ilyin, a diplomat at the Russian embassy in Thailand, confirmed to TASS that a Russian citizen was detained on suspicion of cybercrimes and indicated that the arrest followed an official request from the United States.
As Obrezko awaits extradition, he will remain in custody at the Criminal Court in Bangkok. The implications of his arrest extend beyond individual accountability, as it underscores the ongoing international efforts to combat cybercrime and the threats posed by groups like Void Blizzard.
CNN has reached out to the U.S. Department of Justice for further comments regarding the extradition process and the broader investigation into cyber activities linked to Russian interests. The case highlights the growing collaboration between nations to address cyber threats that have far-reaching consequences for public safety and national security.
