Slashdot has reported:

Canadian cybersecurity executive Edward Dubrovsky was arrested in Pennsylvania in connection with the FBI’s investigation into the ShinyHunters hacking group, according to reports cited by Slashdot. Reuters reported Sunday that sources familiar with the matter identified the arrested suspect as Ed Dubrovsky, whose career has focused on helping clients negotiate with ransomware attackers. The arrest shocked members of Canada’s cybersecurity community.

Court documents from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania show Dubrovsky faces two criminal charges: conspiracy to threaten to impair the confidentiality of information with the intent to extort money, and interference with commerce by threats. The allegations have not been proven in court.

“For the cybersecurity community in general, I think that there's a sense of shock,” Toronto-based technology and cybersecurity analyst Ritesh Kotak told CBC News on Monday. Kotak said Dubrovsky is “very popular” and has spoken at numerous conferences, while stressing that the charges “are clearly just allegations” and that it is not yet known “what exactly has happened.”

“This is an individual that was for the most part respected when it came to ransomware negotiations,” Kotak said. “A lot of people are familiar with his work as well.”

FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on social media: “We will continue to work closely with our partners to disrupt what's left of the ShinyHunters group and their associates, no matter where they operate.” ShinyHunters is described as one of the world’s most prolific data theft and extortion groups. It has been linked to major campaigns, including a recent breach involving FBI employee data, a cyberattack on Canvas, and attacks affecting Telus, Microsoft and Ticketmaster.