"Between 2022 and 2025, the State Department says, Operation Zero acquired eight zero-day exploits stolen by Peter Williams from his employer, likely Trenchant, a division of L3Harris. Williams, an Australian national, was sentenced to 87 months in prison in the US. According to State, the exploits were meant to be sold exclusively to the US government and allied government entities. Operation Zero paid $1.3 million in cryptocurrency for the cyber tools."
"Zelenyuk, the department says, is the director and sole owner of Operation Zero. He also established STS in the UAE to circumvent US sanctions on Russian bank accounts and to conduct business with entities in Asia and the Middle East."
"Operation Zero, OFAC says, has offered millions of dollars for zero-day exploits and sold them to customers in non-NATO countries, which have used them in ransomware attacks and other malicious activities. The office also says that, through Operation Zero, Zelenyuk sought to sell exploits to foreign intelligence agencies, to develop cyber intelligence systems such as spyware, and to recruit hackers to support its activities."
The US government imposed sanctions against seven individuals and entities involved in acquiring and distributing cyber exploits harmful to national security. The Department of State designated Sergey Sergeyevich Zelenyuk as owner of Operation Zero and Special Technology Services LLC, which acquired eight zero-day exploits stolen by Australian national Peter Williams from his employer between 2022 and 2025. Operation Zero paid $1.3 million in cryptocurrency for these exploits, which were intended exclusively for US and allied governments. Zelenyuk established STS in the UAE to circumvent US sanctions and conduct business in Asia and the Middle East. The Treasury Department's OFAC also sanctioned Zelenyuk, his companies, and four associated individuals. Operation Zero offered millions for zero-day exploits and sold them to non-NATO countries for ransomware attacks and malicious activities.
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