Iranian Hacker Admits Guilt in $19 Million Robbinhood Ransomware Attack Targeting Baltimore Date: May 28, 2025 Category: Ransomware / Data Breach An Iranian national has acknowledged his involvement in a major ransomware and extortion operation linked to the Robbinhood ransomware in the U.S. Sina Gholinejad (also known as Sina Ghaaf), 37, along with his accomplices, infiltrated the computer networks of multiple U.S. organizations, encrypting files and demanding Bitcoin ransoms. Arrested in North Carolina in early January, Gholinejad pleaded guilty to charges of computer fraud and abuse, as well as conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He faces up to 30 years in prison, with his sentencing set for August 2025. The U.S. Department of Justice reported that these cyberattacks led to significant disruptions and financial losses exceeding $19 million for cities like Greenville, North Carolina, and Baltimore, Maryland.August 16, 2025
