The security service said it executed the sting at locations in Moscow, St. Petersburg and elsewhere.

Changing the calculus on defense remains the most important way to prevent attacks, even if it is not as attention-grabbing as offensive efforts.

The arrest marks a potentially interesting example of a ransomware operator working outside of the traditional affiliate model, an expert says.

It's the second time in the span of just two months the FBI has taken back stolen funds from a REvil affiliate.

The moves are the latest salvo in the ongoing effort against on ransomware attackers by the U.S. government.

Monero appears to be a currency of choice.