Ransomware negotiator accused of extorting victims

The U.S. has alleged that Angelo John Martino III, a ransomware negotiator for DigitalMint, conducted more than 10 ransomware attacks while simultaneously negotiating ransoms on behalf of some of the same victims and aided in extorting a combined total of $75.25 million in ransom payments, according to CyberScoop.

Martino allegedly obtained an affiliate account on ALPHV or BlackCat, a ransomware group, and conspired with other former cybersecurity professionals. DigitalMint stated it was unaware of Martino being involved in ransomware schemes prior to hiring him. His access was suspended after the company was notified by the Justice Department about the investigation and was fired promptly after. He is charged with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by extortion, with a potential sentence of up to 20 years.

In a November 2025 indictment related to ransomware attack participation, he was previously unnamed as a co-conspirator alongside Ryan Clifford Goldberg, a former Sygnia incident response manager, and Kevin Tyler Martin, a former DigitalMint ransomware negotiator. Martino surrendered and was released on a $500,000 bond, with travel and work restrictions. Authorities seized nearly $12 million in assets, including cryptocurrency, vehicles, a boat, and two Florida properties.