A Russian national man identified as a key member of the international hacker group Kirin was detained in Japan and extradited to Germany. According to people familiar with the matter, German authorities are investigating him on suspicion of extorting companies.
Japanese investigative authorities reportedly detained the man in Osaka, after which the Tokyo High Court approved his extradition to Germany.
The man was identified as a key member of the international hacker group Kirin, and confirmed to be a Russian national. Japan proceeded with the relevant procedures under the Act on Extradition of Criminals in accordance with the subsequent legal process.
Kirin's activities have been observed since around 2022, and the group is said to have claimed responsibility for approximately 1,500 cyberattacks through the end of 2023. Last year, it also issued a statement claiming responsibility for an attack on Asahi Group Holdings.