Berlin Refuses 30 Bitcoin Ransom, Hackers Publish Stolen Data

Berlin's state government rejected a ransom demand of 30 Bitcoin, equivalent to approximately 2.4 million dollars, from the Rhysida ransomware group. The hackers subsequently released 5.7 terabytes of stolen data on the dark web after the ransom deadline expired on September 4. Florian Hauer, Berlin's chief digital officer, stated that the city will not succumb to blackmail, emphasizing the safety of its staff and residents. The attack, which began on August 14, led to the disconnection of two Senate departments from the state network, causing delays in housing benefit payments and family support until August 23. A crisis unit is currently reviewing the leaked data, while the State Criminal Police Office and Germany's federal cybersecurity agency are investigating the incident. Despite the ransom demand, on-chain ransomware payments decreased by about 8% in 2025, even as reported attacks increased by 50%. Berliners are set to elect a new state parliament on September 20, two weeks after the ransom deadline.

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