Andrei Tarasov: Escape Artist, Nihilist, Dangerous Russian Cybercriminal

Security Week’s Kevin Townsend writes that a recent Intel 471 report explores the career of Andrei Tarasov, a cybercriminal deeply involved in exploit kit and ransomware operations.

Operating under the aliases Aels and Lavander, Tarasov’s journey spans multiple countries, arrests, and legal complications. He recently re-emerged in Russia after evading US extradition.

The report details his suspected role in significant cyber campaigns and the challenges in prosecuting such individuals across jurisdictions.

His criminal history includes card skimming, spam operations, and eventually, sophisticated malvertising and the dissemination of exploit kits.

Tarasov fled Russia for Ukraine before 2024, precise date unknown, “Because nothing is left from the ‘great’ country I grew up in except for a bunch of clowns and the battle against America… Because the only things decreasing in price (and value) are vodka, reality, and life.”

Nevertheless, he returned to Russia in early 2024.

He allegedly helped develop tools such as the Angler Exploit Kit and Reveton ransomware, collaborating with Maksim Silnikau and Volodymyr Kadariya, both of whom were also named in US indictments.

Tarasov’s arrest in Germany on July 18, 2023, coincided with the detainment of Silnikau in Spain, although only Silnikau was extradited.

Tarasov spent six months in Berlin’s Moabit Prison, but was released when US extradition requests failed to meet German legal standards. During detention, he was pressured to testify against other cybercriminals.

After release, he discreetly returned to Russia and later resurfaced online, recounting his legal ordeal, mental health struggles, and financial challenges. He remains active in cyber forums under a new alias.

Lawyers reading his history might despair at the jurisdictional complexities of cybercrime prosecutions, including extradition hurdles and differing evidentiary standards. However, Tasarov’s tale also highlights the psychological pressures faced by individuals who have been indicted.

In May 2025, Andrei Tarasov wrote: “I learned that there were places no better than prison, but that’s a whole ’nother story. Now I’m stuck in Russia, beginning from zero. And I still owe my lawyer.”