In a case that has captured international attention, Russian professional basketball player Daniil Kasatkin, 26, was arrested in France on June 21, 2025, at the request of U.S. authorities. Kasatkin faces allegations of participating in a ransomware operation that targeted approximately 900 organizations, including two U.S. federal institutions, between 2020 and 2022.
Arrest and Charges
Kasatkin was detained upon arrival at Paris’s Charles de Gaulle Airport, where he had traveled with his fiancée. The arrest was executed based on an international warrant issued by the United States, which accuses him of conspiracy to commit computer fraud. Specifically, U.S. prosecutors allege that Kasatkin acted as a negotiator for a hacker group responsible for extensive ransomware attacks during the specified period. These attacks reportedly involved encrypting victims’ data and demanding cryptocurrency payments for decryption keys. ([meduza.io](https://meduza.io/en/news/2025/07/10/at-u-s-request-france-jails-russian-basketball-player-daniil-kasatkin-on-suspicion-of-ransomware-conspiracy?utm_source=openai))
Defense and Legal Proceedings
Kasatkin’s defense attorney, Frédéric Bélot, has vehemently denied the charges, asserting that his client lacks the technical skills necessary for such cyber activities. Bélot stated, He’s useless with computers and can’t even install an application. He further explained that Kasatkin had purchased a second-hand computer, which may have been compromised or used by hackers to conceal their identities. ([bitdefender.com](https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/russian-basketball-player-arrested-in-ransomware-case-despite-being-useless-with-computers?utm_source=openai))
The Paris court has denied bail, citing concerns about Kasatkin’s potential flight risk and the seriousness of the charges. His legal team has expressed worries about the impact of detention on his physical condition and basketball career, noting that his weight has dropped from 95 kg to 89 kg while in custody. ([bitdefender.com](https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/russian-basketball-player-arrested-in-ransomware-case-despite-being-useless-with-computers?utm_source=openai))
Background on Daniil Kasatkin
Kasatkin began his basketball career in Russia before moving to the United States at age 17 to attend high school and later university. He briefly played for Penn State University during the 2018–2019 season before returning to Russia to join the MBA-MAI team in the VTB United League. On July 3, 2025, shortly after his arrest, MBA-MAI announced his departure from the team after four years. ([en.iz.ru](https://en.iz.ru/en/1918640/mikele-antonov/hacker-move-why-russian-basketball-player-was-arrested-france?utm_source=openai))
International Implications
The arrest has strained diplomatic relations, with the Russian embassy in Paris expressing frustration over being denied consular access to Kasatkin. The embassy stated, We have requested consular access to our compatriot. Unfortunately, despite the steps taken, we have not yet been granted access due to the position of the French authorities. ([bitdefender.com](https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/russian-basketball-player-arrested-in-ransomware-case-despite-being-useless-with-computers?utm_source=openai))
This case draws parallels to the 2022 arrest of American basketball player Brittney Griner in Russia on drug charges, which led to a high-profile prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia. Observers speculate that Kasatkin’s arrest could be part of broader geopolitical maneuvers between the two nations. ([eadaily.com](https://eadaily.com/en/news/2025/07/10/russian-basketball-player-daniil-kasatkin-was-detained-in-france-at-the-request-of-the-united-states-afp?utm_source=openai))
Conclusion
As Kasatkin awaits potential extradition to the United States, the case underscores the complexities of international cybercrime investigations and the challenges of ensuring due process across jurisdictions. The outcome may have significant implications for international relations and the intersection of sports and cybersecurity.
