This episode of Darknet Diaries traces the rise and fall of the Conti ransomware gang, from its origins in the Dyre and Trickbot groups to its peak as one of the most profitable cybercrime enterprises. The story includes a rare insider leak that exposed the gang's operations, internal conflicts over targeting hospitals, and how the Ukraine war ultimately shattered the group.
Summarized by Podsumo
Conti evolved from the Dyre and Trickbot ransomware gangs, with leader Bentley using a film production company to launder profits.
A Ukrainian insider leaked tens of thousands of internal Conti messages after the gang declared support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The gang accidentally leaked Saudi royal family data, forcing them to issue a rare public apology after threats from powerful figures.
In 2021, Conti collected over $180 million in ransomware payments, but internal conflicts over targeting hospitals and the Ukraine war led to its collapse.
Leader Stern (Vitali Kovalev) may be the first cybercrime billionaire, but vanished before the gang fractured into splinter groups.
"We agreed not to touch the medical sector, remember?"
"The Conti team is officially announcing full support of the Russian government."
"He doesn't look like a hacker… he's the kind of person you'd ask for directions."