DoJ: Uncle Sam bought forensics software from same Russian operation supplying FSB
Russian devs alleged to have built tools for US agencies as software from same op was sold to Moscow's security services
US federal prosecutors have indicted two men, Lee Reiber and Oleg Sergeyevich Davydov, for allegedly purchasing forensic software from a Russian company that also supplied the Federal Security Service (FSB). Oxygen Forensics, based in Virginia, sold the software to various US Defense and Homeland Security agencies, including the Department of War and DHS components.
Prosecutors claim the company falsely represented itself as an independent US entity while being controlled by five Russian nationals through a Cyprus-based holding company. The software developers allegedly worked in Russia, while MKO sold the software to customers, including the FSB and Russian government agencies. Reiber was appointed CEO, president, and chairman of Oxygen, while the Russian owners maintained control over significant decisions.
The alleged deception intensified after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, leading to expanded sanctions. Reiber was arrested in Idaho, and Davydov was apprehended at London's Heathrow Airport before boarding a flight to Istanbul. Authorities have seized corporate assets and infrastructure related to Oxygen Forensics. If convicted, the men could face up to 20 years in prison.
Written by urgent.news from The Register Software's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
