FBI arrests cybersecurity executive and ransomware expert in major hack on agents' data

The FBI arrested a Canadian cybersecurity executive and ransomware expert as part of the investigation of a damaging hack that exposed the sensitive data of current and former FBI employees, according to court documents and people familiar with the investigation.

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Edward Dubrovsky was arrested in the Philadelphia area in recent days and appeared in federal court there Thursday, where a magistrate judge appointed a federal public defender to represent him. Dubrovsky is facing charges related to extortion and making threats. He has been transferred to Texas's Eastern District for a scheduled detention hearing, according to court records and a law enforcement official.

FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest on Friday but did not disclose where it occurred or what role the man is suspected of playing in the hack. Patel also didn't name Dubrovsky, but CNN confirmed the defendant is believed to be tied to the FBI hack through multiple people familiar with the investigation.

 Earlier this week, our agents in the field arrested another suspected co-conspirator  of the cybercriminal group believed to be responsible for the hack, Patel said on Friday.

A federal law enforcement official confirmed the spelling of Dubrovsky's name. In original court documents, his last name was misspelled.

An investigation is ongoing into other people believed to be involved in the hack, the sources said.

Dubrovsky did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday night, nor did the public defender's office in Philadelphia.

A LinkedIn profile under Dubrovsky's name lists years of experience in the Canadian cybersecurity industry and describes Dubrovsky as a  globally recognized cybersecurity expert.  An Ed Dubrovsky is also the author of a book on handling ransomware negotiations with cybercriminals.

The arrest comes after one of the most serious breaches of the bureau's data in years. A prolific cybercrimin
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