Ukrainian Extradited to U.S. Faces Charges Over Russian‑Backed Cyber Attacks, Including Meat Plant Spoilage

A Ukrainian woman has been charged in Los Angeles federal court with participating in Russian state‑sponsored cyber breaches that reportedly spoiled more than 2,000 pounds of meat at a Vernon processor and triggered an ammonia leak.

Indictments and Allegations

Victoria Eduardovna Dubranova, 33, also known as “Vika,” “Tory” and “SovaSonya,” was extradited to the United States earlier this year. She faces federal charges that include tampering with public water systems, damaging protected computers, aggravated identity theft and conspiracy.

In one of two indictments unsealed Tuesday in Los Angeles federal court, prosecutors allege Dubranova and unnamed co‑conspirators tampered with water system pumps and industrial equipment, causing damage to utilities and organizations that provide drinking water. The companies were not named in court papers.

Statements from U.S. Authorities

\”The defendant’s illegal actions to tamper with the nation’s public water systems put communities and the nation’s drinking water resources at risk,\” Craig Pritzlaff, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s acting assistant administrator, said in a statement.

\”These criminal charges serve as an unequivocal warning to malicious cyber actors in the U.S. and abroad: EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate threats to our nation’s water infrastructure and will pursue justice against those who endanger the American public. EPA is unwavering in its commitment to clean, safe water for all Americans.\”

\”Today’s actions demonstrate the department’s commitment to disrupting malicious Russian cyber activity — whether conducted directly by state actors or their criminal proxies — aimed at furthering Russia’s geopolitical interests,\” Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg said in a statement. \”We remain steadfast in defending essential services, including food and water systems Americans rely on each day, and holding accountable those who seek to undermine them.\”

Meat Processing Attack Details

Dubranova is also charged in connection with a computer attack on an unidentified meat packing and processing company in Vernon last year. According to the DOJ, conspirators shut off refrigeration, spoiling more than 2,000 pounds of meat and triggering an ammonia leak. The facility had to be evacuated for more than four hours, resulting in at least $5,000 in damages, officials said.

Alleged Connections to Russian Hacking Groups

The indictment alleges that Dubranova acted in support of two Russian state‑sponsored cyber‑criminal hacking groups – CyberArmyofRussia_Reborn and NoName. Both are described as “hacktivist” organizations suspected of conducting distributed denial‑of‑service attacks and intrusions against critical infrastructure worldwide. The DOJ says the groups operate in support of Russia’s geopolitical interests.

Plea and Next Steps

Dubranova pleaded not guilty Tuesday in downtown Los Angeles to charges in a second indictment charging her with conspiracy linked to a separate series of cyberattacks.

Key Takeaways

• A Ukrainian woman faces federal charges for Russian‑backed cyber attacks that spoiled 2,000+ pounds of meat and damaged water infrastructure.
• Prosecutors allege tampering with water system pumps and industrial equipment, as well as a shutdown of refrigeration at a meat processor.
• U.S. authorities warn that malicious cyber actors targeting critical infrastructure will be pursued aggressively.