UK National Crime Agency

UK Sanctions Russian Cybercrime Group Media Land and Ringleader Alexander Volosovik

The UK, in coordination with the US and Australia, has imposed sanctions on Media Land LLC, ML.CLOUD LLC, Aeza Group LLC, and four individuals including ringleader Alexander Volosovik (aka Yalishanda) for providing 'bulletproof' hosting services that enable ransomware, phishing, and malware attacks against UK businesses. The coordinated action, announced by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, targets infrastructure that cybercriminals use to operate with impunity. Volosovik is linked to notorious groups including Evil Corp, LockBit, and Black Basta.

Online Crime Centre Launches April to Dismantle Fraud Gangs

The Home Office and National Crime Agency announced the launch of a new Online Crime Centre in April 2026, backed by £30 million in dedicated funding as part of a broader £250 million Fraud Strategy 2026 to 2029. The centre will bring together specialists from government, police, intelligence agencies, banks, mobile networks, and major tech firms to share data and coordinate disruption of fraud operations. The strategy addresses fraud affecting 1 in 14 adults and 1 in 4 businesses, costing the economy over £14 billion annually.