The US on Tuesday (5) announced new sanctions against the Russian “dark web” market, Hydra Market, and the virtual currency currency Garantex.

According to the statement made by the US State Department, the measure was taken after the operation carried out by the German police on the same platform.

“Today’s action, coordinated with our allies and partners, blocks the infrastructure of ransomware cyberattacks, as well as actors and targets of the abuse of virtual currency to launder payments,” the note says.

According to the US government, the initiative is part of an effort to “stop the spread of malicious cybercrime services, dangerous drugs, and other illegal offers on Russia’s website.”

“The global threat of cybercrime and ransomware emanating from Russia and the ability of crime leaders to operate here with impunity is of deep concern to the United States,” Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said.

According to Yellen, “actions send a message to criminals that you cannot hide on the dark web or its forums, and you cannot hide in Russia or anywhere else in the world.”

In addition, more than 100 virtual currency addresses associated with the organization’s activities are tracked, which are used to carry out illegal transactions.

“Garantex allows customers to buy and sell virtual currencies using fiat currencies,” the text adds, noting that “analysis shows that more than $100 million of transactions are associated with illegal actors and dark web markets.”