Angelo Martino, a Florida man, has been sentenced to over five years in prison for conspiring with hackers to deploy ransomware during his role as a ransomware negotiator for a U.S.cybersecurity company.The U.S.Department of Justice confirmed the sentence, noting that over $10 million in cryptocurrency and assets were seized.Martino allegedly used the stolen funds to purchase a food truck and a luxury fishing boat.He is the third individual convicted in this scheme, joining previously incarcerated cybersecurity professionals Kevin Martin and Ryan Goldberg.The trio allegedly deployed the BlackCat ransomware, a ransomware-as-a-service operation, to target U.S.companies in 2023.One attack resulted in a $1.2 million extortion payment, split among the perpetrators.The case highlights the rare occurrence of security professionals aiding cybercriminals.While governments advise against paying ransoms, some companies do so to prevent data leaks.This has spurred a ransomware insurance sub-sector.

BlackCat ransomware was also used in a 2024 breach of Change Healthcare, affecting 192 million people, though the specific affiliates involved were not identified.