Russian Basketball Player Arrested in France Over Suspected Role in U.S. Ransomware Attacks

A Russian basketball player has been arrested in France at the request of U.S. authorities, who allege he was involved in a ransomware group that targeted hundreds of American companies and federal agencies.

Daniil Kasatkin, 26, was detained in June at Charles de Gaulle Airport after arriving in Paris with his fiancée. Once a college athlete at Penn State and later a player for Moscow’s MBA basketball club, Kasatkin is now in extradition custody, with a U.S. warrant reportedly issued against him.

French media report that the unnamed ransomware group is believed to have hit nearly 900 targets between 2020 and 2022. Kasatkin allegedly played a role in ransom negotiations, though the full extent of his involvement remains unclear. The U.S. Department of Justice has yet to comment publicly on the case.

Kasatkin denies all charges. His lawyer, Frédéric Bélot, insists the athlete has no technical skills, claiming, “He’s useless with computers and can’t even install an application.” Bélot argued for bail due to Kasatkin’s deteriorating health, saying his client has lost six kilograms and is confined without access to proper facilities. The Paris court rejected the bail request.

The MBA basketball club, where Kasatkin played 172 matches and won two Russian Cup bronze medals, expressed shock at the arrest, describing him as a “dedicated and professional athlete.”

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said its Paris embassy is assisting but has not been granted consular access. According to Russian media, U.S. authorities had been monitoring Kasatkin for months and issued the arrest warrant shortly before his arrival.

Kasatkin’s fiancée remains in Paris and is coordinating with legal counsel. The couple had reportedly planned to marry this year.