[U.S. Sanctions Russian Hacker Company Operation Zero for Cryptocurrency-Funded Theft of Confidential Software] Odaily Planet Daily News – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced sanctions against Russian cybersecurity company Operation Zero and its head, Sergey Sergeyevich Zelenyuk, on the grounds that the company allegedly funded activities targeting U.S. trade secrets through cryptocurrency. The sanctions also include five other individuals accused of using cyberattack tools to threaten U.S. national security. This action stems from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice last year. An Australian citizen, Peter Williams, has admitted to stealing proprietary software from his employer, a U.S. defense contractor, and handing over the confidential information to Operation Zero in exchange for millions of dollars in cryptocurrency. Williams has pleaded guilty to two counts of trade secret theft. The U.S. Treasury Department stated that Operation Zero primarily engages in the trade of exploit tools, which are used to exploit software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access, steal data, or control devices. The company also incentivizes attackers through bounty mechanisms. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that if anyone steals U.S. trade secrets, the U.S. government will hold them accountable and will continue to protect sensitive technologies and national security.