A computer expert facing US hacking charges previously held a senior position at Moscow-based antivirus firm Kaspersky Lab, according to a person familiar with the matter and records reviewed by Reuters. Denis Obrezko, who last week pleaded not guilty to computer crimes at a hearing in Boston, worked as a senior specialist for Kaspersky between 2017 and 2019.

Background and Allegations

US prosecutors have said that Obrezko spent the preceding five years working for Russia’s domestic intelligence service, known as the FSB. Although the alleged hacking activity took place after he left Kaspersky, Obrezko’s background is likely to draw further attention to the company’s relationship with the Russian government.

Kaspersky has always said it maintains its independence from the Kremlin, but the US Commerce Department banned its software in 2024 over security concerns and European authorities have warned against the company. Obrezko’s lawyer, Max Nemtsev, said in an email that he was not in a position to comment on Obrezko’s employment history.

Void Blizzard Hacking Campaign

Documents filed by US prosecutors accuse Obrezko of participation in a newly discovered hacking group known as “Void Blizzard” or “Laundry Bear.” The group is alleged to have carried out the mass theft of emails and other communications from NATO-aligned European government agencies and at least 11 US companies at the behest of the Russian government beginning in 2023.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.