Hunt for Cyber Big Fish→☻Run, Ruski Run!

Hunt for Cyber Big Fish→☻ Run, Ruski Run! DOJ announced in January the arrest of a “Russian Citizen Accused of Running Cryptocurrency Exchange Used by Criminals.”

Yet, Deputy AG didn’t appear to be happy. Big fish get away? Lisa, need some help on intelligence? I hear former CIA Director Gina Haspel is with King & Spalding.

Russia, how’d ya like King & Spalding for House Counsel? “The law firm has taken an increased interest in foreign state affairs, particularly those of Saudi Arabia, as well as the new niche market of Chinese groups being badgered in the US by the SEC.”

DOJ, let me get this straight. The Ruski, Anatoly Legkodymov, had “been under surveillance since arriving at Kennedy International Airport in Queens last October?” So while shit was going down with U.S. crypto coins and Sam was speaking happily of FTX up until November 5^th, you had your eye ONLY on the Ruski?

Heard an extradited Ruski was just convicted on a “90 million hack trade conspiracy.” Still, four got away? And yet another extradition of a/k/a “dpxaker” or “Russian Malware Developer” was caught by the Georgian authorities last October.

A good thing for the U.S. that Switzerland and Georgia’s cybersecurity actually takes action. Looks like U.S. Cybersecurity National Action Plan ain’t working so good. Is it simply about show or control?

In this crypto cloud, virtual images of coinage appear as unclear as its game rules. Still, the powers that be claim control and clarity.

Lisa, your work as a partner with the international law firm O’Melveny & Myers looks promising. Yet, it may not look so good to those who got screwed by ExxonMobil or those looking to hold Apple accountable, once they find out who’s been advising these companies. Learned anything from Enron executives?

Yep, there’s a big difference between PARTNER and “a non-equity partner serving as co-chair of O’Melveny’s data-security and privacy practice.” It’s a shame you weren’t hired by Equifax before they had their ‘data breach.’

Still, congrats on getting the role of Deputy AG. Sure it’s not the same as being the ‘big cheese,’ Attorney General. But just because you didn’t get it, don’t overplay it. Kinda stinks.

The AP News notes what some may see as a cryptic warning, “whether you break our laws from China or Europe, or abuse our financial system from a tropical island, you can expect to answer for your crimes inside a United States courtroom.” Now that’s sure to ‘scare the pants off of them’! 🙁

And what of countries in Middle East “breaking our laws”? It’s a big world Lisa. Not all balloons or spies come from Russia, China and Europe.

Also, forget not the ‘low hanging fruit,’ FTX and other U.S. ‘cryptos’ who reportedly are missing billions. Hey, here’s an idea. After you ‘nail them’ in court, wait till they become clients of OMM and nail them again.  Double the fun and money. 😉

So what’s the deal with Anatoly? Are you sure suspects will answer for their crimes “inside a courtroom?” I imagine, the Ruski has said all he’s gonna say. Or, did Cybersecurity team call Gina? Will you again trade a tinker tailor for a token?

NEVERTHELESS…….

I remind you, obtaining Intel is a double edged sword. In my November 2019 paper, Risk of being Open and Transparent with Old and New Enemies, I point to good v bad Intel and when to act.   

On torture and interrogations, John Rizzo, Former Acting General Counsel of the CIA acknowledged, “We didn’t tell enough people what we were doing…including the full intel community, “Gang of Eight.”  Rizzo admits that had they been more forthcoming in disclosing, “This is what “waterboarding” is at least they couldn’t have said… [we didn’t disclose it].

No doubt, long affairs of Western transgressions affect not only their space, terrains and waters but reach the very spheres they seek to command, or render a détente. Brutal awakening to a developed spectrum shines a striking light on Eastern spheres of influence and power.

Jack F. Matlock, Jr., former U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union and Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, says it best:

 “The idea that somehow controlling other countries that don’t want you to control them is an asset is absolutely wrong. Look at the problems we have in the Middle East today. It is a liability. It is not an asset.”

A specialist in foreign affairs, Ambassador Matlock has long called a “spade a spade.” Sir, your reputation precedes you. I tip my hat to you!

Back to the Ruski, Anatoly. Let’s face it; question is still up for debate as to the effectiveness of torture and interrogations. Or, is it?   

Now here’s the big question: DOJ, in getting the small fish, did you let the ‘big fish’ get away?   

If so, the hunt goes on. Run, Ruski Run!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂