Russian basketball player arrested in France over alleged ransomware ties

A Russian professional basketball player has been arrested in France at the request of the United States, which reportedly accused him of being involved in a ransomware group that allegedly targeted hundreds of American companies and federal institutions.

Daniil Kasatkin, 26, was detained in June at Paris’s Charles de Gaulle Airport shortly after arriving in the country with his fiancée, according to local media reports. He is currently being held in extradition custody, with a U.S. warrant reportedly issued against him. Kasatkin previously studied and played basketball in the U.S., at Penn State University.

The unnamed ransomware network Kasatkin is suspected of being part of is believed to have targeted nearly 900 entities between 2020 and 2022. Local media, citing court proceedings in Paris, reported that Kasatkin allegedly helped negotiate ransom payments, though the extent of the damage caused by the attacks has not been disclosed.

The U.S. Department of Justice has not made any official statements about Kasatkin's arrest and did not respond to a request for comment at the time of publication.

Kasatkin denies all allegations. His lawyer, Frédéric Bélot, told reporters that the athlete is “stunned” by the accusations and insisted Kasatkin lacks any technical expertise. “He bought a second-hand computer. He did absolutely nothing,” Bélot said. “He’s useless with computers and can’t even install an application.”

Bélot had proposed judicial supervision and bail, arguing that Kasatkin’s physical condition was deteriorating in custody and jeopardizing his career. “He has no chair in his cell, no access to a room or a sports field,” Bélot said. Kasatkin, who said he does not feel safe in prison because of Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, claimed to have lost six kilograms while in detention. According to local reports, a Paris court has rejected a bail request.

Kasatkin previously played for Moscow’s MBA basketball club in the VTB United League. The club, which announced his departure on July 3, said it was “shocked” by the arrest and described him as a “responsible, professional young athlete.” Kasatkin played 172 matches over four seasons with MBA and won two Russian Cup bronze medals.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said its embassy in Paris is providing assistance but has not yet been granted consular access to Kasatkin. “Our diplomats have requested permission from the local authorities to visit him, but we have not received a response yet,” ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told local media.

According to a Russian Telegram channel focused on sports news, U.S. authorities had been tracking Kasatkin since early 2025, and the arrest warrant was issued just one day before his arrival in France. Kasatkin has been allowed to contact his fiancée, Anna, who is currently in Paris and working with lawyers on his case. The couple had reportedly been planning to marry this year.