Eastern District of New York Attorney Breon Peace (R) speaks during a press conference about the extradition of Colombian drug lord Dairo Antonio Usuga, aka Otoniel, in New York City on May 5, 2022. (Photo by KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images) U.S. recovers millions from infamous ‘3ve’ advertising scam group It's the Eastern District of New York's biggest recovery from a cybercrime to date. May 18, 2022 By Tonya Riley
Aleksandr Zhukov, as pictured in an evidentiary photo from the U.S. Department of Justice. Aleksandr Zhukov, self-described ‘king of fraud,’ is sentenced to 10 years The sentence caps a years-long investigation into the fraud scheme known as 3ve or Methbot. Nov 10, 2021 By Jeff Stone
Getty As Methbot trial gets underway, prosecutors say a former scammer will testify against alleged ringleader Aleksandr Zhukov has consistently denied involvment since his arrest in Bulgaria. May 6, 2021 By Jeff Stone
Zhukov is being held in a prison where there are 14 cases of COVID-19. (Getty Images) Lawyer for alleged Methbot boss Aleksandr Zhukov wants case dismissed amid coronavirus concerns The request comes after a federal judge ordered thhe release of another defendant from the same facility. Apr 9, 2020 By Jeff Stone
(Getty Images) Another Methbot suspect, Sergey Denisoff, arrested more than a year after initial charges The arrest is the latest evidence the feds' investigation into the Methbot scam is ongoing. Jan 22, 2020 By Jeff Stone
(FBI) Two Methbot suspects set to plead guilty as alleged ringleader maintains his innocence The men are two of the three who were extradited to the U.S. within the last year. Sep 20, 2019 By Jeff Stone
(FBI) The FBI is diving deeper into the Methbot ad fraud case And now we know the group called itself "Metan," the Russian word for methane. Aug 6, 2019 By Jeff Stone
(Getty) FBI investigators describe Methbot investigation as ‘beautiful concert of things shutting down’ Maybe the only thing more complicated than the Methbot advertising fraud scheme was the plan that ultimately shut it all down. Jul 24, 2019 By Jeff Stone
Alleged Methbot scammer Zhukov asks judge for new attorney in ad fraud case In a letter, Alexander Zhukov said he felt "helpless and alone" against the U.S. government's case. Apr 15, 2019 By Jeff Stone
Sergey Ovsyannikov allegedly oversaw a number of ad fraud schemes. (Getty/PhotoMosh) Third suspect in Methbot, 3ve case to plead not guilty after extradition from Malaysia Sergey Ovsyannikov's court appearance will mark the third time an accused 3ve/Methbot group member will be extradited and enter a not guilty plea. Feb 26, 2019 By Jeff Stone