New sanctions target Russian web hosting service over suspected ransomware operations

By: Fatima Hussein, The Associated Press Posted: 8:47 AM CST Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States, Britain and Australia announced sanctions Wednesday against a Russia-based web hosting service for allegedly running ransomware operations that are meant to help criminals evade detection by law enforcement.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 19/11/2025 (243 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Media Land, which officials said is among the companies that sell access to servers and other computer infrastructure and enable such criminal activity, was penalized along with three members of its leadership team and three affiliated business in an operation coordinated with the FBI, according to the Treasury Department.

Also cited was Hypercore Ltd., which the Treasury described as a front company of Aeza Group, an internet service provider designated by the United States earlier this year.

U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent speaks to reporters at the White House, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

The sanctions are meant to deny designated businesses and individuals access to any property or financial assets held in the U.S., Britain and Australia. Also, the penalties are intended to prevent companies and citizens from those countries from doing business with the sanctioned entities and people.

Banks and financial institutions that violate that restriction expose themselves to sanctions or enforcement actions.

Earlier this year, the U.S., Britain and Australia imposed sanctions on Russian web-hosting services provider Zservers and two Russian men accused of administering the service in support of Russian ransomware syndicate LockBit.

Ransomware, the costliest and most disruptive form of cybercrime, can severely disrupt local governments, court systems, hospitals and schools as well as businesses. Most gangs are based in former Soviet states and are out of the reach of Western courts.