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A bail hearing was held Wednesday in Hamilton for 22 year old Karim Baratov, the Ancaster man accused of being a “hacker for hire” in one of the largest data breaches in history. Baratov took the stand and testified at his bail hearing and while he wasn’t allowed to be questioned on the charges he is facing in the U.S., the crown grilled him on his finances and ties to Russia
The hearing began at 10 o’clock and in total 4 witnesses were called to the stand including Karim Baratov’s parents, the owner of a company in charge of GPS ankle monitors and Baratov himself. He was the first person to testify giving the courtroom a glimpse inside his luxurious lifestyle and how a young man was able to afford it.
Federal crown attorney Heather Graham told the court at the time of Baratov’s arrest police found $30 000 cash in his Ancaster home, 56 Chambers drive. When questioned today Baratov himself said he kept that money as savings, withdrawing it over time from banks. Baratov testified that he bought his house at 20 years old. He paid half of the downpayment, $65 000, by selling one of his exotic cars.
Since 2011 Baratov has had 8 cars in total but the crown wanted to know how he was able to pay for a Lamborghini in full at $155 000. Baratov said he would trade in cars to buy other ones and any car loan was paid through his business account. In 2014 the Ancaster man started his own company renting web space. Baratov compares it to buying a building and renting a unit inside. That year he claims he earned roughly $100 000.
Baratov’s parents have prepared to put up their home around $850,000 and $10 000 in savings, as surety to have their son live with them on bail. His father and mother both testified through a Russian interpreter that they would cut off the internet to their home and lock up all electronic devices.
Baratov’s lawyer, Amedeo Dicarlo addressed another question today, his client’s ties to Russia and a online post claiming he had been there.
“He’s not a Russian citizen, he doesn’t have a passport. He’s never been to Russia.”
Baratov faces many U.S. Justice department charges related to computer hacking and economic espionage. He is accused of gaining unauthorized access to roughly 80 email accounts during the 2014 Yahoo hack, including emails of senior Russian politicians. While U.S. officials do not believe he was the mastermind, they allege he conspired with Russian Federal Secret Service agents who paid him for his work.
Baratov has been in custody since his arrest on March 14. He is seeking bail while he awaits a hearing on extradition to the United States, which could be months away. The judge says he will take the testimony into consideration over the next 6 days and we will be back here on Tuesday next week.
