Russian Basketball Star Daniil Kasatkin Arrested in France Over U.S. Ransomware Allegations
Paris, France – Russian professional basketball player Daniil Kasatkin, 26, has been arrested in France at the request of the United States, which has accused him of participating in a ransomware group that allegedly attacked hundreds of American companies and federal agencies.
Kasatkin was detained in June at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris shortly after arriving with his fiancée. He is now being held in extradition custody, with U.S. authorities reportedly having issued a warrant against him.
The alleged cybercrime group is believed to have targeted nearly 900 American entities between 2020 and 2022. According to reports from French court proceedings, Kasatkin is suspected of negotiating ransom payments, though the full extent of the damage caused by the group remains undisclosed.
Kasatkin, a former student-athlete at Penn State University, denies all allegations. His lawyer, Frédéric Bélot, stated that Kasatkin lacks technical skills and couldn’t even install an app. “He bought a second-hand computer. He did absolutely nothing,” Bélot argued.
Bélot also raised concerns about Kasatkin’s health, stating he had lost 6 kilograms while in detention and lacks basic prison accommodations. A bail request was denied by a Paris court despite these concerns.
Kasatkin, who recently left Moscow’s MBA basketball club, played 172 games and won two Russian Cup bronze medals. The club expressed shock at his arrest, describing him as a “responsible, professional young athlete.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry says its Paris embassy is working on the case but has not yet been granted consular access. Meanwhile, Kasatkin’s fiancée, Anna, remains in Paris and is assisting his legal team.
Reports suggest U.S. officials had been monitoring Kasatkin since early 2025 and issued the warrant just a day before his arrival in France.
