By Tom Balmforth and Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber

MOSCOW (Reuters). Russia has launched a special operation to detain and charge members of ransomware-related crime group REvil, at the request from the United States.

This arrest was a rare example of American and Russian collaboration at a time when tensions in Ukraine are high. The arrests were made as Ukraine responded to an enormous cyber attack on its websites. However, it was not clear if the two incidents were connected.

The joint operation of the FSB and police searched 25 addresses and detained 14 people.

The FSB stated on its website that Russia had directly informed Washington of all the steps it had taken to counter the group. Moscow’s American Embassy refused to comment immediately.

According to the FSB, “The investigative steps were based on a request made by the… United States.” “… “…

The REN television channel aired videos of agents raiding residences, arresting persons, pinning people to the floor and seizing large amounts of Russian roubles.

These group members were charged with and could be facing up to seven year imprisonment.

Interfax was informed by a source that Interfax knew of the situation, and they said the United States would not hand over members from the Russian-speaking group.

In November the United States stated that they would pay up to $10 million to anyone who can identify or locate any key member of the REvil group.

Ransom-seeking cybercriminals have targeted the United States in a series of highly publicized hacks. Sources with knowledge told Reuters by June that REvil had been implicated in a ransomware operation against the biggest meat-packing company in the country. JBS SA (OTC:).

Washington repeatedly accuses Russia of internet malfeasance in the past. Moscow refutes this claim.

Russia announced its decision during an ongoing standoff between Russia and the United States. Moscow demands Western assurances, including the promise that NATO won’t expand. They have also increased their troops in Ukraine.