DigitalMint Aids Justice Dept. Probe of Former Employee's Alleged Ransomware Profiteering
DigitalMint, a company specializing in ransomware incident response, is assisting a criminal investigation. The U.S. Justice Department is looking into allegations that a former employee struck deals with hackers for personal gain. The employee has been terminated, and DigitalMint is not the target of the investigation.
Founded in 2014, DigitalMint, operating as Red Leaf Chicago, LLC, has handled over 2,000 ransomware attacks since 2017. The company is licensed to transmit money in multiple states and registered with the US Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. However, the recent allegations have raised concerns.
Law enforcement is investigating the former employee, whose name is not publicly disclosed, for allegedly profiting from extortion payments. The investigation also explores the industry that facilitates negotiations and payments to cybercriminals. Some law and insurance firms have advised clients against hiring DigitalMint due to these allegations. This follows a 2019 ProPublica report revealing similar practices by two other US firms in the same sector.
DigitalMint President Marc Jason Grens has confirmed the company's cooperation with the ongoing criminal investigation. While DigitalMint is not the target, the allegations against the former employee have cast a shadow over the industry and the company's reputation. The outcome of the investigation will likely influence future operations and client trust in DigitalMint.
