Alleged Russian cyber spy in Boston case worked for Kaspersky, source says, documents show

A computer expert accused of US hacking charges, Denis Obrezko, previously worked as a senior specialist at the Moscow-based antivirus firm Kaspersky Lab from 2017 to 2019, according to a source familiar with the matter and records reviewed by Reuters. Obrezko recently pleaded not guilty to computer crimes in Boston.

US prosecutors contend that Obrezko spent the five years preceding these alleged activities working for Russia's domestic intelligence service, the FSB. While the hacking incidents reportedly occurred after his employment at Kaspersky concluded, Obrezko's background is expected to intensify scrutiny of the company's connections with the Russian government. Kaspersky, a leading antivirus provider, previously had a significant presence in the US but has faced challenges entering the American market due to concerns about its alleged Kremlin ties.

Kaspersky stated that an employee with the name provided worked at the company between 2017-2019 and that they have no information on the individual's current status. The company added that the charged offenses cannot be related to the individual's role or responsibilities during his employment. Obrezko's lawyer declined to comment on his employment history, and the FSB and Russian Embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment. Russia generally denies involvement in hacking campaigns.

Documents filed by US prosecutors link Obrezko to a newly identified hacking group known as 'Void Blizzard' or 'Laundry Bear.' This group is accused of mass theft of emails and communications from NATO-aligned European government agencies and at least 11 US companies, allegedly acting on behalf of the Russian government since 2023. Obrezko's social media profile and leaked resume data indicate he is a graduate of Moscow's Bauman University, specializing in information security, a school previously identified as a training ground for Russian government hackers.

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An employee with the name specified worked at the company between 2017-2019, and we have no information on the individual’s current status. The offenses charged cannot be related to the individual’s role or responsibilities during the employment at Kaspersky.