Ransomware fixer claimed he could decrypt files, allegedly defrauded clients instead

What it is about

Who published it, and when

How it spread - 3 original reports

1. Thu, 8 October 2026

   1 report
   • theregister.com02:29first to report
     Ransomware fixer claimed he could decrypt files, allegedly defrauded clients instead

     Feds claim he charged clients more than ransoms, paid up, pocketed the difference

2. Fri, 9 October 2026

   1 report
   • Times of India21:20
     Florida ransomware expert allegedly sent over $8m in ransom payments

     A Florida cybersecurity expert has been charged with fraud for allegedly misleading ransomware victims. Prosecutors say Zohar Pinhasi claimed his company could recover encrypted data without paying hackers but secretly sent over $8 million in ransom payments while charging clients more than $19 million. He faces three federal charges carrying up to 20 years in prison each.

3. Sat, 10 October 2026

   1 report
   • Times of India18:22
     Florida cybersecurity owner accused of secretly paying hackers over $8 million

     Zohar Pinhasi, the owner of MonsterCloud, faces charges of wire fraud related to his cybersecurity business. Prosecutors allege he misrepresented his firm's capabilities to clients facing ransomware attacks. Instead of recovering data without ransom payment, he secretly paid attackers and charged clients significantly higher fees. Pinhasi allegedly collected over $19 million while paying more than $8 million in ransoms.