Sachkov Ilya Konstantinovich

Sachkov Ilya Konstantinovich

Biography

• CISM (Certified information security manager)
• Founder and CEO of Group-IB

Graduated with honors from the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Department of Information Security, Faculty of Informatics and Management Systems. He has been working in the field of investigation of information security incidents since 2003. He is engaged in the investigation and development of methods for the latest types of computer crimes. The author of the technology for investigating distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. He is a member of the following international associations: The International Information Systems Forensics Association IISFA, the Association of Certified Anti-Fraud Specialists (ACFE), the International Honeynet Project.

The author of more than 30 publications.

2019: Group-IB founder accused of shooting a stone's throw from Kremlin

The founder of the cyber crime investigation company Group-IB, Ilya Sachkov, got into a skirmish in the center of Moscow. This was announced by the Ren TV channel^[1].

According to the TV channel, Sachkov, being in traffic near the Four Seasons hotel near the Moscow Kremlin, approached the taxi driver and rudely demanded that he leave. The taxi driver tried to explain that because of the traffic jam he could not do this.

Then, according to the taxi driver, Sachkov took out a gas pistol and shot the victim in the face. His colleague rushed to the aid of the taxi driver, but Sachkov allegedly began to shoot at him. After that, according to Ren TV, Sachkov was detained by police officers.

Ilya Sachkov and the heads of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation Elvira Nabiullina and Olga Skorobogatova

2020: Video recording in case of his arrest or death

On December 20, 2021, it became known that Ilya Sachkov recorded a video a year ago in case of his arrest or death. The founder of Group-IB, subsequently accused of treason,  sent the video to his loved ones. 

It is reported by  Forbes with reference to three sources close to Sachkov. The presence of the video was also confirmed by director Andrei Loshak, whose Sachkov was filming for a series about hackers. According to Sachkov's friend, in the video, the businessman suggests that an attempt may be made on him.

Group-IB owner Ilya Sachkov recorded a video a year ago in case of his arrest or death

He thought that he would be poisoned, and in recent months he noted that the charge of treason should not be ruled out either, - said the source.

Sachkov has repeatedly noticed surveillance, his friend added. According to Forbes, the video begins with the words: "If you see this video, it means that I was killed or I am in prison." At the same time, the video itself did not get into the media.

The existence of a video in which Sachkov declares his possible murder or arrest was previously said by a RBC source in the information security market. According to him, the video was planned to be released if Sachkov's arrest was extended, but this did not happen. The company itself did not comment on the existence of the video.

According to Forbes, the Sachkov case is being conducted by investigator FSB Alexei Khizhnyak. He was also an investigator in the case of  a citizen accused of espionage, USA a former marine and the head of several security services Paul Whelan detained To Moscow in December 2019. According to investigators, Whelan worked for the American special services: he received a flash drive, which allegedly contained information constituting state secrets. In June 2020, the American was sentenced to 16 years of strict regime. 

What exactly Sachkova is charged with is unknown. Surrounded by an entrepreneur, his arrest is associated with a public accusation against the head of the Evil group, the publication says.^[2]

2021

Arrest on suspicion of treason

On September 28, 2021, searches were carried out at the Group-IB office in Moscow. The founder and CEO of the company, Ilya Sachkov, was detained and subsequently arrested for 2 months by decision of the Lefortovo District Court.

Sachkov is suspected of committing a crime under Art. 275 of the Criminal Code (high treason), the press service of the court told RBC. The maximum punishment under this article is 20 years in prison.

Earlier, Ilya Sachkov told RBC that if the Russian office was closed, all its functions would be transferred to the Singapore representative office of Group-IB.

Our data is stored in a certain way, encrypted and accessible to a limited number of people. If pressure begins on any of our employees, this information will be in law enforcement and in the press. A rare company treats its internal security like we do, "he said.[3][4]

The next day it became known that Ilya Sachkov appeared in the FBI documents. He is mentioned in connection with the investigation of the US authorities against Russian hackers.

The name of the head of Group-IB surfaced in the documents of the US Department of Justice, which were made public in 2020 after the initiation of a case against a former employee of the corporation Nikita Kislitsin, whom the US authorities accuse of cybercrimes. We are talking about the protocol of interrogation of Kislitsin, conducted by the FBI back in 2014 after the detention of a Russian. Since 2013, the accused has continued to work at Group-IB as the head of the network security department, but the interrogation concerned episodes that occurred before his employment with the corporation.

The FBI accused Kislitsin of receiving a hacked Formspring user database from hacker Yevgeny Nikulin and selling it. After the Russian was shown the indictment against him, he replied that "prison is not an option for him." One of the reasons Kislitsin explained cooperation with the investigation was because he started working for Group-IB and could no longer "simultaneously engage in and fight criminal activity" (the other two being children and religion).

The Russian offered to share with the FBI data on users of the FETEAM cardinal forum and methods of combating fraudsters that Group-IB was developing. The document states that the head of the company Ilya Sachkov gave the go-ahead for this. "Group-IB CEO Ilya Sachkov is aware and supported Kislitsin's proposal to share information with FBI," the special services report says.

Kislitsin refused the services of a lawyer and told the investigation everything he knew about Russian hackers, whom the American authorities began to prosecute in subsequent years. In particular, Kislitsin testified against Evgenia Nikulina (sentenced in the United States to 7.5 years for hacking, and LinkedIn Dropbox Formspring), Alexei Belan (included in the US sanctions list for hacking) Yahoo and Dmitry Dokuchaev (a former major FSB sentenced to 6 Russia years for transferring US data about Russian hackers, was released on parole).

Recently, Sachkov criticized the ineffective struggle of the Russian authorities with cybercriminals. As an example, he cited the leader of the Evil Corp. group wanted by Maxima Jakubec the FBI, "who drives around in Moscow Lamborghini with thief numbers." Sachkov also called "strange" the fact of appointing Andrei Bezrukov, "a former resident expelled SVR from" to the post of head of the Association for the Export of Technological Sovereignty. USA The entrepreneur's bold performance was explained by the fact that Sachkov did not know about the open nature of the event.

Bloomberg: Sachkov's arrest is related to the desire to bring Group-IB to the international level

The real reason for the arrest of Ilya Sachkov in the case of high treason was the dissatisfaction of the law enforcement agencies in Russia with the desire of the founder and CEO of Group-IB to bring the company to the international level. This was reported by Bloomberg, citing informed sources.

According to them, Sachkov's actions aroused suspicions that he was "too independent." The agency notes that Sachkov worked closely with the FSB, since for companies that are engaged in cybersecurity, this is a prerequisite for working in Russia.

Bloomberg: Criminal case against Group-IB head Ilya Sachkov is related to his plans to take the company abroad

The interlocutors of the publication stressed that it was his desire to scale and commercialize the services of his company abroad and move most of the business outside Russia that raised serious questions from his curators, who believe that he is too independent.

In April 2021, Ilya Sachkov said in a commentary Forbes that Group-IB was going to place shares on one of the foreign exchanges. He also noted that the company plans to receive half of its revenue for the first time outside the countries of the former Soviet Union.

Group-IB cooperates with Interpol, Europol and the OSCE, assists Russian special services and law enforcement agencies in operations against hacker groups. In early September 2021, the company began investigating attacks on The Bell website, as a result of which users were sent a fake newsletter with propaganda calls.

Business Ombudsman Boris Titov believes that the investigation should clarify Sachkov's case, since in the opposite case "a critical blow will be dealt to the sector and its investment attractiveness." The Kremlin did not agree with him, stressing that the arrest "has nothing to do with the business and investment climate" in Russia.

Conditions of stay in the Lefortovo pre-trial detention center

On October 19, 2021, it became known about the conditions of Ilya Sachkov's stay in the Lefortovo pre-trial detention center. According to Alexander Khuruji, a member of the Moscow POC, head of the Human Rights Protection Committee of the New People Party, the founder of Group-IB, who was arrested in the treason case, is trying to hold on despite the circumstances, but complains that he is not allowed to send and receive letters.

It shows that he has not yet rebuilt psychologically, but in any case he is trying to hold on. There are some nutrition problems, because he has a diet necessary for health reasons, but we hope that all this can be solved, "Khuruji said in a conversation with RIA Novosti.

The founder of Group-IB Ilya Sachkov complained about the conditions of detention in the isolation ward: they do not allow to communicate with loved ones and suitable food

According to him, Ilya Sachkov is a little in a state of shock, but at the same time calm and focused. The arrested man complained that he was in an information vacuum because he wrote 17 letters. The pre-trial detention center received 25 letters in his name, but all of them were seized by the administration. Also Sachkov does not receive newspapers.

The investigator by law has the right not to give permission to receive and send letters before they are viewed by the censor appointed by them. So there may be problems with correspondence for some time, Khuruji noted.

Ilya Sachkov is in the cell alone, his TV does not work. He also has a disease in which a certain dietary diet is required, however, according to Alexander Khuruji, he has not yet received it. The entrepreneur is undergoing the necessary examination by October 19, 2021.

The head of the human rights committee of the New People party also noted that in the pre-trial detention center, human rights activists were not allowed to find out the name of Sachkov's lawyer.

We hope that after publication, his lawyer and relatives will contact us, "he added.[5]

Appeal to Vladimir Putin on transfer to house arrest during the investigation

In November 2021, it became known about the appeal of Ilya Sachkov to the president. Russia Vladimir Putin The founder, arrested in the case of treason Group-IB , asked to be transferred from the pre-trial detention center to house arrest during the investigation.

I believe this is a new Dreyfus case. I am not a traitor, nor a spy, nor a traitor. I'm a Russian engineer. With his work, he repeatedly proved his loyalty and benefit to the Motherland. I very much ask my president, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, to allow me to be under house arrest for the period of the investigation, with maximum restrictions, "Sachkov wrote in a letter that his lawyer Sergei Afanasyev handed over to Forbes.

"I am not a traitor, not a spy and not a traitor": Group-IB founder Ilya Sachkov turned to Putin

Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov said on November 23, 2021 that he did not know anything about this petition.

On November 23, 2021, the Lefortovo Court of Moscow, having granted the request of the investigation, extended Ilya Sachkova for three months in custody - until February 28, 2022. The businessman's defense is going to appeal this decision.

According to Sergei Afanasyev, Sachkov, who is in the Lefotovo pre-trial detention center, is doing well. Letters began to come to him, he answers everyone, the lawyer said. The criminal case against the entrepreneur is labeled "Secret."

Sachkov does not admit his guilt, and the criminal case is not related to the activities of the company he founded. Sachkov faces from 12 to 20 years in prison.

After the businessman's arrest, his mother Lyudmila Sachkova also turned to Putin. She wrote a letter to the president in which she called her son a believer and a true patriot. Sachkov's mother asked to honestly understand this matter and release her son.

The Kremlin did not see the letter, but they treat her feelings with understanding, Dmitry Peskov said in early October 2021.^[6]

Charge of treason allegedly for transferring information to the United States about the interference of the Russian hacker group Fancy Bear in the American elections

Ilya Sachkov is accused of treason for transferring information to the United States about the interference of the Russian hacker group Fancy Bear in the American elections, Bloomberg reported in December 2021. He allegedly could have transmitted information that helped the United States identify agents of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces.

Ilya Sachkov: "My business is not related to the work of the company"

In mid-December 2021, the founder of Group-IB Ilya Sachkov, who was arrested on charges of treason, said that his case was not related to the work of the company.

At the moment, only one thing is clear - the current accusation has nothing to do with the work and direct activities of Group-IB. This gives some hope that during the investigation my innocence will be established within the framework of the crime incriminated to me, - says Sachkov's appeal, which he handed over to the media through his lawyers.

Ilya Sachkov said that his case is not related to the work of the company

Ilya Sachkov called the accusations against him absurd and called on everyone who understands this to support "the unique Group-IB company and its team." At the same time, he noted that he was almost deprived of the right to correspondence: during his time in jail, he received only one letter.

In this difficult time, my heart overflows with light and goodness in relation to everyone who was and remains there without fear. And this erroneous injustice does not affect my love for my homeland, "he wrote.

He stated that he "sincerely loves his homeland" and honors its history, so he considers the article sane to him "offensive and absurd."

I understand perfectly well that not everyone understands me, not everyone is pleasant, not everyone likes me. As well as I know that I am often categorical and cruel in my statements in the fight against crime... But all this does not make me a criminal, much less a traitor to the Motherland, "the entrepreneur emphasized.

Sachkov said that the charge against him could be a consequence of his fight against international cybercrime.

I do not know whether this is a mistake or the result of my open intolerance for everything related to computer crime and fraud outside country borders, and respect for international law as a result, "he said.[7] Group-IB

2022: "There was a big party right after my detention." The founder of Group-IB Ilya Sachkov spoke about the detention in the pre-trial detention center

At the end of May 2022, Forbes magazine published comments by Ilya Sachkov, who was handed over to journalists through a lawyer by the arrested founder of Group-IB. The entrepreneur, among other things, spoke about the living conditions in the pre-trial detention center and the possible reasons for the criminal case.

Absolutely, now, eight months later, I am sure that the case against me is an interest in me that has nothing to do with the interests of the state. These are people that my professional activities - the fight against cybercrime - have greatly interfered with. They say that immediately after my arrest, a big party took place at Moscow City, where a hacker community gathered to celebrate my arrest, Sachkov said.

The founder of Group-IB Ilya Sachkov spoke about the detention in the pre-trial detention center

After nearly eight months in custody, he said, he still did not understand the substance of the allegations. The founder of Group-IB assured that the investigation respects him and his lawyers.

Sachkov said that he conducts a thought experiment and presents himself not in a pre-trial detention center, but "a certain intellectual monastery."

And as in any monastery, there are limitations here. For example, this is a very small space - 9 sq. m, cameras for two, and the same walking camera - 9 sq. m for two. I turned all this into a gym, a yoga area, a running stadium, a library, and an innovation development center, "he explained.

The businessman added that the most difficult thing for him now is the inability to work normally. At the same time, the lack of routine helped him concentrate on important things.

Now, in addition to writing two books, I have moved on to the main stage in my life, which will take cybersecurity to a completely new level. But the main thing is not even this: the effect of this work will create a new paradigm of cybersecurity, which in turn will lead to a decrease in global costs for it and at the same time increase its effectiveness, as well as trust between companies and countries, "Ilya Sachkov shared.[8]

2023

Completion of the investigation of the treason case

The FSB investigator completed the investigation of the criminal case of treason against the founder of Group-IB Ilya Sachkov. This was reported on March 9, 2023 by TASS and RIA Novosti, citing sources in law enforcement agencies.

The preliminary investigation into the Sachkov case has been completed, it has been transferred to the Prosecutor General's Office for approval of the indictment, the TASS source said.

Founder of Group-IB Ilya Sachkov

By March 9, 2023, Ilya Sachkov is in the Lefortovo pre-trial detention center. He is charged with transferring classified information to foreign intelligence, as a result of which the interests of Russia were damaged. Ilya Sachkov does not admit guilt. He said that a criminal case against him was initiated in favor of certain groups that his professional activities - the fight against cybercrime - "greatly interfered with."

As noted by RIA Novosti, the case materials, like most such investigations, are classified. The punishment provides for up to 20 years in prison.

According to the publication "," the Lenta.ru charge against the founder of Group-IB could be the result of a criminal case, in which former officers FSB Sergey Mikhailov and Dmitry Dokuchaev were convicted under the same article. Sachkov acted as a witness on him.

Telegram channel VChK-OGPU (576 thousand subscribers) confirmed this version on March 9, 2023:

It became finally clear that the case of the head of the Russian cybersecurity company Group-IB Ilya Sachkov was based on the testimony of the former head of the operational department of the FSB Information Security Center Sergei Mikhailov, who was sentenced to 22 years for treason.[9]

According to the Telegram channel, there were many versions of Sachkov's arrest: he was associated with a public accusation against the head of the hacker group Evil Corp, with criticism of the authorities and law enforcement agencies for the ineffective fight against cybercrime and much more.^[10]

Criminal case against Ilya Sachkov entered the Moscow City Court

Consisting of 10 volumes, the criminal case against the founder of Group-IB Ilya Sachkov was submitted to the Moscow City Court. It will be considered behind closed doors by a trio of judges. This became known in mid-June 2023.

According to Kommersant"," Sachkov sent an appeal to the chairman, in Investigative Committee of Russia Alexander Bastrykin which he stated that he was slandered by the former head of the Second Directorate of the center information security FSB , Sergei Mikhailov, who was sentenced to 22 years in prison for treason. The court found that the Chekist transferred FBI secret information regarding the methods and methods of conducting operational-search activities against Russian hackers, receiving 10 million for this. rubles The testimony of Sachkov, who acted as a witness at the trial, helped to reveal Mikhailov. Now the ex-Chekist will witness the prosecution at the trial of the founder of Group-IB.

Ilya Sachkov

A source close to Sachkov denied the version previously put forward in the media about his assistance to the special services in catching Russian hackers. He was charged with treason as a result of confrontation between different units within the FSB.

According to the sources of the publication, if the three judges of the Moscow City Court do not return the case to the Prosecutor General's Office, which approved the prosecution, Sachkov may be sentenced in a month, since there is only one episode in the case.

Lawyer Ruslan Koblev, defending Ilya Sachkova, refrained from commenting on the secrecy of the case, confirming to Kommersant only the fact that his materials were transferred to court. The law enforcement agencies did not comment on the case due to the closure of this process.

On June 16, 2023, Ilya Sachkov's Telegram channel published a video in which he declares his innocence and calls on his colleagues to "continue working and fight crime."^[11]

Not a guilty plea in court

On July 6, 2023, the Moscow City Court began considering the criminal case of the founder of the former Group-IB (now operating in Russia under the F.A.S.S.T. brand) Ilya Sachkov, who is accused of high treason (Article 275 of the Criminal Code; punishment - up to 25 years in prison). The entrepreneur himself denies the accusations against him.

He did not admit guilt. He expressed an attitude towards the accusation, he will refute, - said Sachkov's lawyer Ruslan Koblev (quoted by Izvestia).

Ilya Sachkov

The Moscow City Court refused to satisfy the petitions of the defense to return the criminal case to the prosecutor. It was also refused to change the preventive measure - the founder of Group-IB remained in custody. The court will consider his criminal case behind closed doors.

The Kommersant newspaper became aware that Ilya Sachkov was preparing for the hearings in the most thorough way. He wrote a detailed speech "which should have left no stone unturned by the indictment."

According to the radio station Business FM, on the first day of the consideration of the case, "the three professional judges took a fast pace" - at the meeting, a study of written evidence began, after which the court moved to the interrogation of the main witness of the prosecution, the former head of the Information Security Center (CIB) of the FSB, FSB Colonel Sergei Mikhailov, who by July 2023 is serving a 22-year sentence for treason. According to Mikhailov, he handed over to Ilya Sachkov a number of documents that he transported abroad. Sachkov's defense believes that the former Chekist could take revenge on him, since the founder of Group-IB had previously witnessed the prosecution in his criminal case.

According to the source, Kommersant if the judges do not return the case to, State Office of Public Prosecutor then the verdict to the founder of Group-IB can be passed in a month, since there is only one episode in the case.^[12]

The prosecutor's office requested 18 years in prison

The prosecutor asked the Moscow City Court to sentence Ilya Sachkov, who is in the case of treason, to 18 years in prison. This was reported on July 21, 2023 by RIA Novosti with reference to Sergei Afanasyev, a lawyer for the founder of Group-IB. He added that the announcement of the verdict is scheduled for July 26, 2023.

The trial took place at a "sprint" pace, examined the criminal case in 10 working days. The state prosecution asked Ilya Sachkova for 18 years in prison. The defense pushed for an acquittal. I believe that the only possible verdict in this criminal case is an acquittal, - said Sergei Afanasyev.

Ilya Sachkov in court

According to Kommersant"," speaking at a hearing closed to the public in the Moscow City Court on July 21, 2023, the representative State Offices of Public Prosecutor of Milan Digaeva said that the crime incriminated to Ilya Sachkov was fully proven. According to the main prosecution witness, the ex-head of the 2nd Directorate of the Center, information security FSB Sergey Mikhailov who is serving a term of 22 years for the same treason, he handed over to Ilya Sachkov a number of documents that he transported abroad. There they fell in. In FBI relation to Sergey Mikhailov himself, they did not start a new investigation, considering that he did not know that the documents contain closed data.

By July 24, 2023, Sachkov is in jail. He does not admit his guilt, he also denies cooperation with foreign states. The case materials are classified as "secret," in connection with which the details were not disclosed. The criminal case against him is being considered behind closed doors.

Art. 275 of the Criminal Code (treason), according to which Sachkov is accused, implies punishment for espionage, the issuance abroad of information constituting state secrets, or other assistance to a foreign state in activities directed against the security of Russia. In the spring of 2023, the maximum punishment for it was toughened - now it implies life imprisonment.^[13]

Sentence - 14 years in prison in the case of treason

The founder of Group-IB (the new name of the company is F.A.C.C.T.) Ilya Sachkov received 14 years in prison in the case of treason (Article 275 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). The corresponding verdict was passed on July 26, 2023 by the Moscow City Court.

To appoint Sachkov a sentence of imprisonment for a period of 14 years with serving a sentence in a maximum security correctional colony with restriction of liberty for a period of one year with a fine of 500 thousand rubles, - said in the verdict of the board, announced on July 26, 2023.

The consideration of the criminal case took place behind closed doors. Ilya Sachkov's defense argued that the case was considered at a "sprint pace" - in ten working days. The state prosecution in mid-July 2023 stated that his guilt was fully proven.

The founder of Group-IB Ilya Sachkov (pictured in the center) received 14 years in prison in the case of treason

The Telegram channel F.A.C.C.T. called the verdict a difficult moment for the company and a black day for the information security market. According to Valery Baulin, CEO of F.A.C.C.T., despite his detention, Sachkov continues to work on cybersecurity projects and technologies.

All F.A.C.C.T. units are operating normally. The company thanks customers, partners, representatives of the cybersecurity community and journalists for their words of support, the company said in a statement.

On July 24, 2023, a comment appeared on the Telegram channel, which is being conducted on behalf of Sachkov, on the 18 years of imprisonment requested by the prosecutor's office.

This figure does not prevent me with a smile, dignity and clear cold-blooded professionalism to do what I should. I have been working with numbers, numbers, codes all my life, and none of them put me in a stupor.. If there is a conviction, it will be one of the most successful operations of the American special services and another planned blow to the Russian IT sector, - noted the author of the post.[14]

Ilya Sachkov commented on his verdict

Sentenced to 14 years in a strict regime colony, Ilya Sachkov commented on his sentence. The corresponding post appeared on the Telegram channel of the founder of the former Group-IB on July 28, 2023.

This is a victory for those I interfered with. The victory of those who do not need domestic cybersecurity, who do not need a sovereign and self-sufficient Russia in matters of information security, - said Sachkov.

Ilya Sachkov, sentenced to 14 years in a strict regime colony, commented on his sentence

According to him, he hoped for acquittal, but understood that the verdict would be guilty. During his stay in the Lefortovo pre-trial detention center, he learned to live in isolation, Sachkov wrote. Earlier in July 2023, he called a possible verdict a victory for the American special services and a planned blow to the Russian IT sector.

And the important thing is that at a certain moment I realized that in such conditions you can live on, continue to work, communicate with relatives and friends... My brain cannot be turned off, my desire to create things useful to society is also, "he said.

Sachkov stressed that he would appeal the verdict and would "go to the end."

On July 27, 2023, presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov commented on the desire of the defense of Ilya Sachkov to appeal to Vladimir Putin about his sentence. The spokesman noted that the Kremlin, this is not an appellate body, but is ready to consider the appeal in the prescribed manner.

Boris Titov, Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of Entrepreneurs under the President of the Russian Federation, said that Ilya Sachkov could make a huge contribution to the cybersecurity of Russia, it is impossible to scatter such specialists.

I did not study the criminal case of Ilya Sachkov, the article is not entrepreneurial. But, knowing him, I can say for sure that he could not betray his homeland, but as an IT specialist he made (and could have made) a huge contribution to its cybersecurity. We do not have many specialists of such a level to scatter them like this, "he told RBC at the end of July 2023.[15]

Result of appellation: sentence upheld

On October 23, 2023, the First Court of Appeal of General Jurisdiction recognized the verdict of the founder of Group-IB (subsequently changed its name to F.A.C.C.T.) Ilya Sachkov in the case of high treason. Previously, he was assigned 14 years in a maximum security colony.

The verdict of the Moscow City Court of July 26, 2023 to leave unchanged, the appeal - without satisfaction, - says the court ruling, which leads Interfax.

Ilya Sachkov

As the agency notes, the process, as in the first instance, took place in a closed mode from the listeners, since the materials of the criminal case are classified. The court announced only the introductory and operative parts of the decision.

According to RIA Novosti, his relatives, employees of the company he founded, came to visit Ilya Sachkov in court. The verdict entered into legal force, it is subject to execution in the near future, the agency reports on October 23, 2023.

According to the prosecution, in 2011 Ilya Sachkov handed over classified information to representatives of foreign intelligence, causing reputational damage to the national interests of Russia. The founder of Group-IB himself does not admit his guilt. According to the report, TASS testimony against him during the investigation was given by the former head of the 2nd department of management of the Center, previously convicted of treason. information security FSB Sergey Mikhailov According to his testimony, he handed Sachkov a number of important documents that later turned out to be from American employees. FBI

During the trial, the prosecution insisted on an 18-year term for Sachkov. Amid the verdict, the F.A.C.C.T. intended to address Vladimir Putin about the court's decision.^[16]

Notes