Finnish Authorities Charge American in Vastaamo Hack Case, Release Convicted Hacker Pending Appeal
Finnish authorities have made a significant development in the Vastaamo hack case. A new suspect, 28-year-old American citizen Daniel Lee Newhard, has been charged with aiding and abetting the extortion of Vastaamo patients. Meanwhile, Julius Kivimäki, previously convicted for the hack and blackmail, has been released from jail pending an appeal.
The Vastaamo hack, which occurred in 2018, was a devastating data breach that shook Finland. It involved the theft of highly sensitive patient notes from the psychotherapy clinic, making it the worst data breach in the country's history. The hack led to severe consequences, including the firing and sentencing of Vastaamo's CEO, the company's bankruptcy, and reports of patient suicides. Finnish prosecutors allege that IP logs connected to an internet connection in Estonia led them to Newhard, who is accused of aiding and abetting the extortion of Vastaamo patients. Kivimäki, who was jailed for the Vastaamo breach and blackmail in 2024, has been released from jail pending an appeal.
The arrest of Daniel Lee Newhard and the release of Julius Kivimäki pending appeal mark significant turns in the Vastaamo hack case. The investigation continues to uncover the full extent of the breach and its consequences, with authorities committed to bringing all those responsible to justice.
