Digital forensics firm with US federal contracts covered up ties to Russia, DOJ alleges
DOJ arrested Oxygen Forensics executives for allegedly hiding Russian ownership while selling software to U.S. agencies.
The U.S. Department of Justice arrested Oxygen Forensics CEO Lee Reiber and CTO Oleg Sergeyevich Davydov, charging both with conspiracy to commit wire fraud for allegedly concealing Russian ownership and development of digital forensics software sold to U.S. agencies. Prosecutors say five Russian nationals controlled the Virginia-headquartered firm through a Cyprus holding company, and that after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine the company removed their names from filings while they retained decision-making and bank authority. DOD, DHS components including the Secret Service and NCFI, and others bought the tools after certifications that no foreign person controlled the company. The DOJ says it is not alleging malicious code or unauthorized access; a separate Davydov company reportedly sold the same software to Russia's FSB, Investigative Committee, and Interior Ministry. About 57 domains, infrastructure, and bank accounts were seized on September 20.
- CEO Lee Reiber and CTO Oleg Davydov charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
- Prosecutors say Russian owners hid behind a Cyprus holding company after 2022 sanctions.
- DOD, DHS, Secret Service, and NCFI bought the software after false U.S.-origin certifications.
- DOJ says there is no evidence of malicious code or unauthorized access to customer systems.
- Authorities seized about 57 domains, infrastructure, and corporate bank accounts on September 20.
From the original article
3 min read at therecord.mediaTwo executives at a data extraction and digital forensics company that sold several U. S. agencies its software were arrested for allegedly lying about the fact that its technology is made in Russia.
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