Cyber Hack

As the cyber criminals reinvent themselves, FBI Special Agent Keith Mularski goes undercover to infiltrate the operation. But as kingpin Tank is finally arrested, another leader rises with the creation of a new crew: Evil Corp. The group’s alleged leader, Maksim Yakubets, would go on to steal millions using “one of the most prolific and successful malware strains” in the history of cyber-crime. Hosted by Joe Tidy, the BBC’s cyber correspondent – one of the few Western journalists to have met an alleged member of Evil Corp – and the BBC’s Sarah Rainsford, who spent more than two decades reporting from Moscow.

A cyber-crime kingpin in a US prison speaks for the first time. How did he dodge the FBI when they came to his home? And how did he and his alleged crime gang steal millions of dollars from their victims? We learn that Jabber Zeus boss Tank had friends in high political places in Ukraine – and a budding young business associate in Russia. Hosted by Joe Tidy, the BBC’s cyber correspondent – one of the few Western journalists to have met an alleged member of Evil Corp – and the BBC’s Eastern and Southern Europe correspondent Sarah Rainsford, who spent more than two decades reporting from Moscow.

The net tightens on the Jabber Zeus crew. Police and intelligence services across borders are poised to synchronise raids, but cops in London are thrown a last-minute curveball that could see the whole operation implode. Meanwhile, tales of Tank’s past emerge - and his former life as club DJ Slava Rich. But as FBI agents working in Ukraine brace to break down doors and make arrests, are the hackers already aware of what’s coming? Hosted by Joe Tidy, the BBC’s cyber correspondent – one of the few Western journalists to have met an alleged member of Evil Corp – and the BBC’s Eastern and Southern Europe correspondent Sarah Rainsford, who spent more than two decades reporting from Moscow.

A rookie FBI agent is swept up in a case that goes from Main St, USA, to the UK, Ukraine and Russia. Cyber-crime victims are everywhere. This is way bigger than Jim Craig thought. He travels to Ukraine to meet his counterparts. Over vodka and fine food in a dacha in the Ukrainian forest, they make a plan to go after the suspected cyber hackers. Hosted by Joe Tidy, the BBC’s cyber correspondent – one of the few Western journalists to have met an alleged member of Evil Corp – and the BBC’s Sarah Rainsford, who spent more than two decades reporting from Moscow.

Moscow drag racers, an opulent Russian wedding and a malware code named after the Greek god of thunder - how do they all connect? A cyber-sleuth and “dark hero of the internet” Lawrence Baldwin sees signs of an emerging underworld. As money vanishes from accounts across the US, Lawrence follows the trail, infiltrating the gang - holding out for clues. But who are these audacious hackers? Hosted by Joe Tidy, the BBC’s cyber correspondent – one of the few Western journalists to have met an alleged member of Evil Corp – and the Sarah Rainsford, who spent more than two decades reporting from Moscow.

Accused of stealing hundreds of millions of dollars – Russia’s most wanted hackers. Just who are Evil Corp? In season 3 of Cyber Hack, we follow the years’ long trail with investigators as they try to track down the man alleged to be at the centre of it all, hacker Maksim Yakubets. Follow or subscribe to Cyber Hack, so you never miss an episode.

A message from Geoff White on changes you'll see to The Lazarus Heist podcast feed, which will now be called Cyber Hack, from the BBC World Service. From this point on we're giving all series of this podcast the over-arching name of Cyber Hack. But don't worry, series 1 and 2 will remain as The Lazarus Heist, co-hosted by Geoff and Jean Lee. And then we have a new series coming very soon, hosted by the BBC's Joe Tidy and Sarah Rainsford, looking at another alleged major hacking group. You can listen to Cyber Hack, just as before, wherever you get your BBC podcasts.

$1.5 billion disappears in minutes. But what follows reveals North Korea’s expanding reach — from elite hackers to soldiers on the battlefield. The audacious attack was on the ByBit crypto exchange in February 2025. Investigators say North Korean hackers the Lazarus Group are responsible – the biggest heist in the history of crypto. With our hosts Jean Lee and Geoff White, we uncover how they pulled it off. But as Pyongyang’s cyber army is striking targets all over the world, North Korean soldiers have also been fighting on more traditional battlegrounds – siding with Russia in its war on Ukraine. We meet the South Korean correspondent who secured a world-exclusive interview with a North Korean POW. Does this all signify a turning point for North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, as his cyber operatives pull off increasingly daring heists and his military gain real-world combat experience fighting with the Russians against Ukraine? As Kim continues to ally with Vladimir Putin — a leader whose country possesses exactly the kind of nuclear expertise North Korea has long sought – is he more dangerous than ever? Meanwhile North Korea says it has nothing to do with the cybercrimes the Lazarus Group is accused of, saying the United States is making these allegations to try and tarnish its image. Our story is about more than money. It’s about where it goes, what it buys, and who’s fighting in the shadows.

“Are you a North Korean hacker? Yes, I am.” Investigators say money from the Lazarus Group’s hacks is flowing into Kim Jong-un’s nuclear weapons programme. Can it be stopped? #LazarusHeist

From millions to billions: the Lazarus Group get into cryptocurrency. North Korea tries to infiltrate companies from the inside, posing as job seekers. “We had a North Korean on our payroll”. Can investigators stop them cashing out their digital loot? #LazarusHeist

It’s North Korea’s first crypto conference. Eight international tech experts decide to go but someone is watching. Their every move in Pyongyang is followed and they soon regret the trip. “I was put in handcuffs and taken to an interrogation centre.” #LazarusHeist

“He wrote me beautiful letters!” A “bromance” begins between President Trump and Kim Jong-un but how long will it last? The US president’s former security advisor, Ambassador John Bolton, reveals what happens inside the summit room when the two leaders meet face to face. Plus, the Olympic Destroyer hackers are finally unmasked – but who are they? #LazarusHeist

Hackers attack the Winter Olympics, during the opening ceremony in South Korea. Who is responsible? Fingers point to North Korea but it has joined forces with its neighbour and even sent a team. Why would they want to sabotage it? What’s going on? #LazarusHeist

"Something was collapsing inside me.” A top North Korean diplomat questions his commitment to the regime. And an adventure ends in tragedy for the American student, Otto Warmbier. We hear from the doctor who joined the mission to bring him home from Pyongyang.

A social media influencer is laundering cash for the hackers. Hushpuppi has expensive tastes and a luxury lifestyle. His paymasters? The dark web fraudster, Big Boss and the Lazarus Group cyber criminals, with alleged links to North Korea. Law enforcement is closing in. #LazarusHeist

The hackers turn to the dark web and enlist an eager new recruit. “Big Boss” is key to the ATM heist but who is he? Meanwhile, the police in India continue to investigate and make arrests. #LazarusHeist

Millions of dollars are stolen from ATMs at the same time in 28 countries. An army of money mules stuff the cash into bags. Do they know who they are really working for? In just over two hours, the thieves take nearly $14 million - all from the accounts of Cosmos Bank in India. The hackers are back! #LazarusHeist

The hackers are back – and they are accused of being more dangerous than ever. Their cyber-attacks are getting more sophisticated and audacious. It’s claimed they are getting away with billions. North Korea denies everything. With hosts Jean Lee and Geoff White. Season 2 launches on 27 March 2023. #Lazarusheist

A special episode recorded in front of an audience in New York. What’s it like working in North Korea? How are hackers tracked in real time? Hosted by podcaster and musician Dessa, with Jean Lee and Geoff White. Your questions answered, plus guests: Seohyun Lee, who defected from North Korea, and cybersecurity expert Michael ‘Barni’ Barnhart. #LazarusHeist

A frightening global attack, hospitals in chaos and an accidental hero with a secret. A virus spreads from computer to computer in 150 countries, causing billions of dollars in damage. It’s the story of WannaCry and Marcus Hutchins. Please help spread the word about #Lazarusheist