CLEVELAND — Federal prosecutors in Ohio have unsealed a broad cybercrime indictment against two Russian companies and three people accused of operating a Russia-based online service that investigators say enabled hackers around the world to perform ransomware, malware and other damaging cyberattacks.

The case is being prosecuted in Ohio because of the large number of victims in the state, authorities said.

U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio David Toepfer said the alleged crimes affected victims in 21 states and in countries around the world, causing more than $62 million in losses.

The indictment charges two companies — Media Land and ML.Cloud — along with three individuals based in St. Petersburg, Russia. Investigators allege that the defendants operated infrastructure that allowed cybercriminals to launch attacks against hospitals, schools, civic organizations and businesses.

“Cybercrimes like this are a matter of national security,” Toepfer said.

According to prosecutors, the companies provided so-called “bulletproof hosting” services, which shield criminal activity from law enforcement and allow cybercriminal operations to remain online. Authorities said the network fueled ransomware, malware and brute-force attacks worldwide.

“Media Land through the darknet was a borderless powerhouse of criminal activity that not only fueled the rise and persistence in ransomware, malware and brute force attacks worldwide, but also a multitude of illegal acts with the capacity to inflict reputational damage and economic harm,” Joshua Del Manzo, the special agent in charge with FBI Cleveland said.

Victims in Ohio were identified in Akron, Brookfield, Canton, Cleveland, Elyria, Findlay, Medina and Valley View.

Federal investigators said the case grew out of a Cleveland FBI investigation that began seven years ago.

“Because of the investigative team’s tireless efforts, the cyber infrastructure supporting American hospitals, schools, civic organizations and companies are safer,” Toepfer said.

Authorities said they have shut down the ability of Media Land and ML.Cloud to provide hosting services to cybercriminals, calling it a major disruption to a significant part of the global cybercrime ecosystem.

“We have effectively shut down Media Land and ML Cloud’s ability to provide hosting services to cybercriminals wherever they operate,” Toepfer said. “This approach identified and exposed the largest bulletproof hosting service in the world, and struck a serious blow to malicious ransomware and malware actors everywhere.”

Prosecutors acknowledged that the suspects Aleksandr Volosovik, Yulia Pankova and Kirill Zatolokin remain in Russia, but said dismantling the companies’ infrastructure is still a significant victory in the fight against global cybercrime.

The U.S. State Department is offering a reward of up to $10 million, and possible relocation, for information about government-linked associates of the Russian individuals and companies charged in the case.

The NBA world is waiting in anticipation to see what 41-year-old LeBron James will do next with his career, and the story just got more interesting.

Over the weekend, Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson had a quote that turned heads. “You guys know there’s a little free agency thing going on right now. That could be our real jump, and you know what I’m talking about. That’s exciting too.”

The Cavaliers coach also went on to say, “Listen, this is an exciting time for us, right? Like we’re in the mix for, you know, the greatest player of all time… I think you’re nervous, but we understand how it is. He’s obviously earned that right to take his time.”

Major Interest

The Cavaliers knew roster changes needed to happen following their exit from the playoffs in the Eastern Conference Finals. While making the conference finals was an achievement, getting swept embarrassingly by the eventual champion New York Knicks showed one thing: this team still had a clear gap to close if they were to win a championship.

A quote like this from an NBA coach is not typical in the slightest. Atkinson is making his interest in LeBron clear on a national stage, and rightfully so. LeBron brings a skill set the Cavaliers have been missing since his departure: a lengthy forward who can help with spacing while also adding playmaking, postseason experience, and late-game control.

A New Mentality

Aside from roster fit, LeBron can bring something this team has needed for quite some time: a new mentality. The Cavaliers have been labeled as soft, stemming from a quote such as “the lights were brighter than expected” by Jarrett Allen after a series loss to the Knicks in 2023. 

LeBron, despite his age, still has his championship mentality. This is evident from his playoff series against the Rockets while he was still with the Lakers this past May. LeBron led the Lakers past a younger, arguably more talented team in the Rockets to advance to the second round. 

The hope is that this championship mentality can rub off on the Cavs’ younger talent while LeBron wraps up his career in the wine and gold.

It looks like everyone is waiting on what “The King” does next, including his next potential head coach. This is for good reason, as LeBron could be the missing piece needed to take the Cavaliers to the next level, not only because he remains one of the greatest players of all time, but because he could bring a championship mentality to a core that desperately needs it.

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A massive water main break and a possible sinkhole was reported in Cleveland Monday afternoon.

A 19 News crew is on scene at the intersection of E 130th Street and Buckeye Road for the possible reported sinkhole and a water main break.

According to the Cleveland Division of Water, the break on Buckeye Road is a 10-inch water main and a repair crew is on the way.

The water has been shut off, but the area remains closed due to the debris and for cleanup.

19 News has made call outs to officials for more information.

This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.