Viacelsav Penchukov, known online as “Tank”, was on the FBI’s list of the world’s most wanted criminals for 10 years and led two hacker gangs.
In Penchukov’s first ever interview, he revealed how cybercriminal gangs operate and previously unknown details about hackers who have never been caught, including the leader of Russia’s Evil Corp group, reports
Penchukov’s rise to the top of the hidden world of cybercriminals depended not so much on his technical skills as on his infectious charm. “I’m a friendly guy, I make friends easily,” the 39-year-old Ukrainian told the BBC with a big smile. The fact that he had friends in important positions and very influential helped Penchukov to remain free for so long, even after he became one of the most important targets of FBI agents.
It took the authorities 15 years to arrest Penchukov during a dramatic operation in Switzerland in 2022. “There were snipers on the roof, and the police put me on the ground, handcuffed me and put a bag over my head in the street, in front of my children. The children were scared,” said Penchukov, who believes the police overreacted.
The thousands of victims around the world who were affected by his activities and those of the hackers he led do not see things the same way. Penchukov and his gang stole tens of millions of dollars from their victims.
