As Vladislav Klyushin’s cyber security scam continues to grow, Collect Over $93 million In less than three years, an FBI investigation was about to unravel his conspiracy.
Klyushin became extremely wealthy by owning the Moscow-based cybersecurity company M-13, which served as a front for his real business: stealing corporate earnings reports before they were released and trading on that information. This cybersecurity scam targets well-known American companies such as Skechers, Snapchat, and Roku.
The FBI and U.S. prosecutors have enough evidence to arrest him, but they also face a major obstacle: As a Russian citizen living in Russia, it is impossible for the country to extradite him. Legally speaking, oligarchs are out of reach.
An undated photo of Vladislav Klyushin, the owner of an information technology company with ties to the Russian government, is included in the U.S. Justice Department filing.
U.S. Department of Justice | Reuters
CNBC’s new original podcast series “The Crimes of the Putin Merchant“Bringing you an inside look at the mission that put Klyushin behind bars. CNBC senior correspondent Eamon Javers in Washington talks with FBI agents, prosecutors and even a Russian spy, Shocking details are revealed about this massive criminal enterprise and the larger threat to American companies, investors and markets.
Podcast Episode 3 It details how Klyushin made a serious mistake that ultimately opened the door for U.S. law enforcement to intervene.
Klyushin has been using his illegal gains to maintain a luxurious lifestyle, sparing no expense: buying luxury sports cars, a luxury apartment for his criminal associates, and a yacht worth nearly $4 million. As Klyushin grew richer, he wanted more—and it was his desire to travel that eventually got him into trouble.
“When you make that much money in a short period of time, I think you become reckless, you know you want to spend it right and you want to spend it right,” said U.S. Attorney Steven Frank. Enjoy life. “You want to enjoy the fruits of your criminal activities. “
In March 2021, investigators discovered that Klyushin chartered a private plane from Moscow to Switzerland. From there, a helicopter was waiting to take him directly to the ski resort. U.S. authorities worked with the Swiss Federal Police to develop a plan to intercept him upon his arrival.
latest episode Original podcast series Taking the listener through the entire incident – until Klyushin stepped off the plane in Switzerland, completely unaware of his catastrophic mistake.
“It was a breathless moment,” Frank said. “You really hold your breath to see how things unfold and whether we’re ultimately going to be able to catch him.”
