US authorities promise $ 2 million for Ukrainian hackers

The US State Department and Secret Service have announced a $2 million reward for information leading to...will lead to the arrest or conviction of two Ukrainian men accused of hacking into the data system of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Natives of Kyiv, 28-year-old Artem Radchenko andAlexander Eremenko obtained inside information about publicly traded companies by stealing financial statements filed with the SEC but not yet available to investors, the Secret Service said in a July 22 statement. 

By selling stolen confidential information and using it for speculation on the stock exchange for more than a year, hackers received illegal profits of more than $4.5 million. 

The announced reward, which amounts to $1 million for assistance in the capture of each suspect, is an unprecedented step for the US Secret Service. 

US State Department Director James M. Murray stated: 

For the first time in agency history, we can strategically use resources around the world to find a wanted fugitive accused of exploiting and manipulating our financial systems.

Federal Grand Jury in the District of New Jerseylast year accused Radchenko and Eremenko of conspiracy, securities fraud and a hacker attack on SEC electronic systems. In total, the indictment contains 16 counts, but the criminals have not yet been caught.  

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also announced the award on Twitter. 