Ransomware Negotiator Sentenced for Colluding With Attackers He Was Hired to Stop

Angelo Martino, 41, worked for DigitalMint, a cybersecurity firm providing ransomware negotiation services. Rather than mediate between victims and extortionists, he coordinated directly with hackers, feeding them targeting information and structuring attacks throughout 2023. Prosecutors say Martino leveraged his unique access to victim data and willingness-to-pay information. He pleaded guilty in April 2026 and was sentenced this week. Two accomplices, both cybersecurity professionals, were previously incarcerated for the same scheme.