Daniil Kasatkin, a 26-year-old Russian professional basketball player, was arrested by French authorities at Charles de Gaulle Airport on June 21, 2025, at the request of the United States. The arrest stems from allegations that Kasatkin played a key role as a negotiator for a notorious ransomware group accused of targeting hundreds of organizations, including U.S. government agencies.
Allegations and Charges
According to U.S. prosecutors, Kasatkin allegedly participated in negotiations to extort ransom payments from victims whose computer systems were compromised by the hacker group. The group is believed to have attacked approximately 900 companies and two U.S. federal agencies between 2020 and 2022. Kasatkin faces charges of conspiracy to commit computer fraud, a serious offense under U.S. law.
Kasatkin’s legal team has strongly denied the allegations. His attorney, Frédéric Belot, asserts that Kasatkin possesses only basic computer skills and could not have orchestrated or facilitated such sophisticated cyberattacks. Belot further claims that Kasatkin’s only connection to the case is his purchase of a used computer, which may have been previously compromised or used by hackers to conceal their identities.
Legal Proceedings and Detention
A Paris court has denied Kasatkin’s request for bail, citing the severity of the charges and the ongoing extradition proceedings. Kasatkin remains in custody while French authorities review the U.S. extradition request. His defense team has expressed concern about his deteriorating health in detention, warning that prolonged incarceration could jeopardize his professional basketball career.
Diplomatic Response and International Implications
The Russian embassy in Paris has intervened on Kasatkin’s behalf, demanding consular access and expressing frustration over delays. The case has drawn attention in Russian media, with some commentators drawing parallels to the detention of American basketball player Brittney Griner in Russia and speculating about potential political motivations or future prisoner exchanges.
Background on Daniil Kasatkin
Kasatkin is a guard who most recently played for Moscow’s MBA-MAI basketball club, where he helped the team achieve two third-place finishes in the Russian Basketball Cup. He also played collegiate basketball for Penn State during the 2018-19 season. At the time of his arrest, Kasatkin was in France with his fiancée, reportedly planning to propose.
Next Steps
As the legal process unfolds, Kasatkin’s future remains uncertain. French courts will determine whether he will be extradited to the United States to face trial. Both the Russian government and Kasatkin’s legal team continue to maintain his innocence, arguing that he is the victim of mistaken identity or a setup involving a compromised computer.
