# Florida ransomware negotiator found guilty

Helped hackers in ransomware attacks against US companies.

- **Source:** [cybersecurity | TechCrunch](https://brifing.si/source/73fbb25c-5e90-44c9-9a24-7906dc3436cd)
- **Published:** 2026-07-10
- **Topic:** [Software & Engineering](https://brifing.si/c/engineering)
- **Original article:** <https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/10/florida-ransomware-negotiator-convicted-for-helping-ransomware-gang-extort-us-companies/>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/fa004bce-fe88-4e3c-90e6-91dc4cbe6c1d

## Fall of a security expert

Florida resident Angelo Martino was found guilty of collaborating with hackers while working as a ransomware negotiator for a cybersecurity company. Martino was part of the group that attacked US companies using BlackCat ransomware. He was sentenced to more than five years in prison.

## $10 million seizure

The US Department of Justice seized assets purchased by Martino with money stolen from hackers. These include a luxury fishing boat and a food truck. The total value of these assets, which also include cryptocurrency, exceeds $10 million.

## End of the trio

Martino became the third and final member of this ransomware network to be convicted. Cybersecurity professionals Kevin Martin and Ryan Goldberg had previously been imprisoned on the same charges. The trio earned $1.2 million from attacks on US companies in 2023.

## Dark business model

BlackCat (ALPHV) operates as a ransomware-as-a-service group. Independent hackers can rent the group's file-encrypting software and receive a share of attack profits. In 2024, medical data of 192 million people was stolen in the Change Healthcare attack.

## Industry implications

This case represents one of the rare instances of cybersecurity professionals collaborating with malicious hackers. Ransomware attacks have led to the creation of a specialized insurance sector in the US. Some companies employ negotiators to reduce ransom amounts.

## Lesson for security world

Although authorities constantly warn against paying ransoms, some companies do so to prevent customer data leaks. This case highlights ethical issues in cybersecurity and the need for better oversight in the industry.

## Sources covering this story

- https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/10/florida-ransomware-negotiator-convicted-for-helping-ransomware-gang-extort-us-companies/ — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._