BBC World Service is launching Cyber Hack: Evil Corp, a new season of its acclaimed Cyber Hack podcast.
The six-part series uncovers the rise of Russia’s most notorious cybercrime network – a gang accused of stealing billions and forging ties with state security services.
Hosted by the BBC’s Cyber Correspondent Joe Tidy and Eastern Europe Correspondent Sarah Rainsford, the series explores the digital underworld where hackers are accused of orchestrating some of the biggest cyberattacks in history.
Evil Corp, described by law enforcement as “the most pervasive cybercrime group ever to have operated”, is accused of stealing hundreds of millions of dollars worldwide, even targeting a group of nuns in Chicago.
Alleged to be at the centre of it all is Maksim Yakubets, one of the FBI’s most wanted, who today has a $5m bounty on his head, backed by the US Department of Justice.
The group’s story is one of crime, power and protection. Both the US and UK governments claim Evil Corp has links to Russian intelligence agencies, raising questions about who is really pulling the strings.
Joe Tidy said: “No suspected hacking gang has been as prolific or as fascinating as Evil Corp. They’re constantly adapting and evading justice, and this investigation has completely changed how I think about cybercrime.”
Sarah Rainsford added: “I’ve spent years reporting from Russia, and this story shines a light on the world where groups like Evil Corp thrive. It’s a dark and complex landscape that listeners will find both revealing and unsettling.”
Episodes of Cyber Hack: Evil Corp will be released weekly from Monday 20 October, wherever you get your podcasts.
If you’re in the UK you can listen to the latest episode a week early, first on BBC Sounds, with two episodes on Monday 20 October.
If you’re outside the UK, listen weekly on BBC.com or wherever you get your podcasts, or subscribe to BBC Podcasts Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to the latest episode a week early.
Episodes will also air weekly on BBC World Service from Wednesday 22 October.
