U.S. Efforts to Catch Cybercriminals Abroad Hinge on Extradition

U.S. law enforcement’s pursuit of global cybercrime is hampered by reliance on politically charged treaties governing extradition of suspected hackers.

The U.S. lacks such treaties with Russia, China, and other nations from which such attacks have originated, preventing accountability for hackers harbored in their home country. Even when suspected cybercriminals are arrested in countries where such treaties are in place, law enforcement still struggles to bring cybercriminals to justice in U.S. courts due to years-long delays and legal challenges.

“The barriers to extradite someone and hold them accountable through legal means are significant,” said Erica Lonergan, a senior director for ...