Date: 03-19-2021

Case Style:

Case Number: 3:20-cr-00045-MMD-CLB

Judge: Miranda M. Du

Court: United States District Court for the District of Nevada (Clark County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: United States District Attorney’s Office

Defendant's Attorney:

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Description: Las Vegas, Nevada conspiracy to damage computers charge criminal defense lawyer represented Egor Igorevich Kriuchkov, 27, who was charged with conspiring with others to recruit an employee of a large U.S. company to transmit malware provided by the conspirators into the company’s computer network. Once the malware was installed, Kriuchkov and his co-conspirators would use it to exfiltrate data from the company’s computer network and then extort the company by threatening to disclose the data.

As part of the conspiracy, Kriuchkov traveled from Russia to California through New York. On numerous occasions between Aug. 1, 2020, and Aug. 21, 2020, Kriuchkov traveled from California to Nevada in an attempt to entice the employee to participate in this hacking scheme, offering to pay the employee with Bitcoin if the employee transmitted the malware. After meeting with Kriuchkov, the employee reported his conduct to the victim company, which promptly contacted the FBI. The FBI then thwarted the scheme.

“The swift response of the company and the FBI prevented a major exfiltration of the victim company’s data and stopped the extortion scheme at its inception,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This case highlights the importance of companies coming forward to law enforcement, and the positive results when they do so.”

“This case highlights our office’s commitment to protecting trade secrets and other confidential information belonging to U.S. businesses — which is becoming even more important each day as Nevada evolves into a center for technological innovation,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada. “Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to prioritize stopping cybercriminals from harming American companies and consumers.”

“This is an excellent example of community outreach resulting in strong partnerships, which led to proactive law enforcement action before any damage could occur,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office.

Kriuchkov pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to intentionally cause damage to a protected computer and is scheduled to be sentenced May 10.

The investigation was led by the FBI Las Vegas Field Office with the assistance of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, the FBI Sacramento Field Office, and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office in Nevada.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Counsel C.S. Heath and Trial Attorney Thomas Dettore of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Casper of the District of Nevada.

18 USC 371 Conspiracy to Intentionally Cause Damage to a Protected Computer (conspiracy to violate 18 USC 1030(a)(5)(A), 1030(c)(4(B)(i), and (c)(4)(A)(i)(I) Count One; Forfeiture
(1)

Outcome: 03/18/2021 49 MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS - Change of Plea by video conference as to Egor Igorevich Kriuchkov held on 3/18/2021 before Chief Judge Miranda M. Du. Crtrm Administrator: Peggie Vannozzi; AUSA: Richard Casper, Candina Heath, Thomas Dettore; Def Counsel: Christopher Frey; Court Reporter/Recorder: Kathy French; Time of Hearing: 10:40 AM - 11:30 AM; Interpreter: Hasmik Jorgensen; Language: Russian; Courtroom: 5; Defendant is present. The interpreter is sworn prior to Court.

Sworn. Defendant advises that he does speak English but will need interpreter for some things. The Court asks the Defendant to answer in Russian and have the interpreter speak for him.

The Court canvasses Defendant on the waiver of in person appearance (ECF No. 41 . The Court makes findings for the record and accepts the waiver.

The Court notes that Defendant has been taking the telephone through which he hears the Russian interpretation away and is listening to the Court in English. Defendant advises that he wishes to listen to the proceedings in both languages and asks for the Russian interpreter to interpret for him separately.

After canvassing on the binding plea agreement (ECF No. 48 ,) the Defendant pleads guilty to count 1 of the indictment. The Court defers acceptance of the binding plea.

Sentencing is initially set for 6/20/2021 at 10:00 AM, but Mr. Frey asks that the sentencing be advanced to the first two weeks of May. The Court grants the request. Sentencing is set for 5/10/2021 at 10:00 AM. The case is referred to probation for the preparation of an expedited investigation and presentence report. The Court direct counsel to file a Rule 32 waiver to allow the Court to review the Presentence Report before it accepts the binding nature of the plea.

Mr. Casper asks the Court to set a trial date in case the Court rejects the binding plea. Jury trial set for 4/19/2021 is vacated and reset to 7/26/2021 at 9:00 AM in Reno Courtroom 5 before Chief Judge Miranda M. Du. The master trial scheduling conference set for 3/29/2021 at 9:00 AM is vacated, to be reset if needed. The calendar call set for 4/12/2021 is reset to 7/19/2021 at 1:00 PM. The Court makes findings for the record pursuant to the Speedy Trial Act and finds that the time is excluded. If the Court accepts the binding nature of the plea agreement at sentencing, the trial date and calendar call date will be vacated.

Defendant is remanded to custody.

(no image attached) (Copies have been distributed pursuant to the NEF - PAV) (Entered: 03/18/2021)
03/18/2021 50 WAIVER of Right to Appear In Person at Criminal Proceeding by Egor Igorevich Kriuchkov re Change of Plea proceeding. Signed by Chief Judge Miranda M. Du on 3/18/2021. (DRM) (Entered: 03/18/2021)
03/18/2021 51 NOTICE to contact the U.S. Probation Office as to Egor Igorevich Kriuchkov. (DRM) (Entered: 03/18/2021)
03/18/2021 52 NOTICE Consent of Defendant by Egor Igorevich Kriuchkov re 49 Change of Plea,,,,,,,,,,. (Frey, Christopher) (Entered: 03/18/2021)

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