Hackers Behind MacBook Pro Schematics Leak Arrested in Russia

The ransomware hackers behind last year's MacBook Pro schematics leak have now been arrested in Russia, the FSB today announced in a press release (via Reuters).

14 16 inch 2021 mbps back to back feature
Following an initial arrest late last year, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) explained that it has arrested 14 members of "REvil," an organized criminal association that used malicious software to extort funds from companies.

In April 2021, REvil attacked Taiwanese Apple supplier Quanta Computer. The group went on to post detailed stolen schematics of the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, seven months before the device was officially unveiled.

The extensive schematics revealed the redesigned MacBook Pro's notch, casing design, ports, full-size function keys instead of the Touch Bar, and more. The leak was so detailed that it reportedly aided repair technicians.

REvil threatened to release more schematics and documents for every day that Apple did not pay a $50 million ransom, but the initial leaked documents vanished just days later. In October 2021, several governments launched a combined effort to take REvil offline.

According to the FSB, after the latest arrests, REvil now ceases to exist and its information infrastructure has been neutralized. REvil's funds have been seized from 25 addresses in Russia, constituting over $5.5 million worth of cryptocurrency, cash, cars, and equipment. U.S. authorities have also been informed of the development.

Tag: Russia

Popular Stories

2007 iPhone

Apple Discontinuing This 18-Year-Old iPhone Feature

Saturday February 8, 2025 3:51 pm PST by
The end of an 18-year era is on the horizon for the iPhone. Apple reportedly plans to announce a new iPhone SE as soon as next week, and the device is expected to feature a full-screen design with Face ID, instead of a Touch ID home button. That means Apple will no longer sell any new iPhone models with a home button, for the first time since the original iPhone launched. The home button...
oppo find n5 fingers

World's Thinnest Foldable Phone Launches Next Week

Monday February 10, 2025 3:05 am PST by
Oppo has confirmed a February 20 global launch for its Find N5, which the company claims is the world's thinnest device in the foldable phone category. The phone is expected to be re-branded as the OnePlus Open 2 in the US. The Chinese vendor has been teasing the device in the last few weeks, touting its waterproofing and nearly invisible display crease, and highlighting its thinness by compa...
m2 macbook air blue

M4 MacBook Air Release Continues to Appear Imminent

Monday February 10, 2025 10:56 am PST by
There continue to be signs of a new MacBook Air with an M4 chip, indicating that we could see the machine launch in the not too distant future. A private account on X today shared the identifiers that the MacBook Air will use, and those identifiers correspond to the M4 chip. According to the source, both the 13-inch MacBook Air and the 15-inch MacBook Air will be equipped with Apple's...
sequoia

Apple Releases macOS Sequoia 15.3.1

Monday February 10, 2025 10:11 am PST by
Apple today released macOS Sequoia 15.3.1, a minor update to the macOS Sequoia operating system that came out last September. macOS 15.3.1 comes a few weeks after the launch of macOS Sequoia 15.3. Mac users can download the ‌‌‌macOS Sequoia‌‌‌ update through the Software Update section of System Settings. Apple has also released macOS 13.7.4 and macOS 14.7.4 for those who are...
apple silicon mac lineup 2024 feature purple

Apple Increases Mac Trade-In Values for a Limited Time

Sunday February 9, 2025 3:53 pm PST by
Apple today increased its estimated trade-in values for select Mac models in the United States, with the full changes outlined below. Apple says the extra trade-in credit for select Macs is available with the purchase of an eligible new Apple device through April 2. The trade-in values increased by between $10 and $50. Model New Value Old Value MacBook Pro Up to $925 ...
Powerbeats Pro 2 Orange

Powerbeats Pro 2 Given to Customer Early, Expected to Debut Tomorrow

Monday February 10, 2025 7:42 am PST by
Apple's long-awaited Powerbeats Pro 2 are finally expected to be announced this Tuesday. Ahead of time, one lucky Walmart customer was able to get their hands on the earbuds early, according to a since-deleted Reddit post over the weekend. A leaked image of the Powerbeats Pro 2 in Electric Orange "My local Walmart had them in the cage," the Reddit user explained. "I asked if I can buy them...
watchOS 11 Thumb 2 1

Apple Releases watchOS 11.3.1

Monday February 10, 2025 10:04 am PST by
Apple today released watchOS 11.3.1, a minor update to the operating system that runs on the Apple Watch. watchOS 11.3.1 is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 6 and later, all Apple Watch Ultra models, and the Apple Watch SE 2. watchOS 11.3.1 can be downloaded by opening up the Apple Watch app and going to General > Software Update. To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to...
iOS 18

Apple Releases iOS 18.3.1 With Bug Fixes

Monday February 10, 2025 10:09 am PST by
Apple today released iOS 18.3.1 and iPadOS 18.3.1, minor updates for the iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 operating systems that came out last September. iOS 18.3.1 comes two weeks after Apple released iOS 18.3. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Apple has also released iPadOS 17.7.5 for those still running...

Top Rated Comments

TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
40 months ago
Here is the arresting video ?. This is just insane.

[MEDIA=twitter]1481980240742305795[/MEDIA]
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LeadingHeat Avatar
40 months ago
I wonder how much MR and other rumor sites are to blame for these sort of companies/groups popping up. Fueling the fire.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kemal Avatar
40 months ago
I'm shocked hackers were arrested in Russia!
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cjboffoli97 Avatar
40 months ago
Window dressing. 100% these people were employed in some capacity with the Russian government. Any prosecution will be theater. Putin is a kleptocrat, a dictator and a master propagandist.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
PinkyMacGodess Avatar
40 months ago
They forget to pay Putin his cut? This is really rather odd that a Russian hacker was actually arrested in Russia, by Russians. Hmm...
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Doctor Q Avatar
40 months ago
The FSB domestic intelligence service said that they seized 426 million roubles, $600,000, 500,000 euros, computer equipment, and 20 luxury cars. I wonder how much of their "earnings" that represents.

The group members are said to each face up to seven years in prison. It may be a white-color crime, but they could be back on the streets before we know it.

Here are more details (https://www.govinfosecurity.com/russia-arrests-14-suspected-revil-ransomware-group-members-a-18310), from govinfosecurity.com.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)