Allegations of oligarch elections meddling and influence is old news in 2024, but while prosecutors focus on the money trail in building threat intelligence based cases for indictment, don’t overlook oligarch-funded lawyers with creative delay and distract defense tactics.

From twisting data privacy laws to using funds for SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) libel cases to leaking legal discovery, Elizabeth Wharton dissects a series of US and UK cases citing the Mueller report and the Steele (Orbis) Dossier as examples where oligarchs have thrown lawyers and money as curveballs to exert influence and thwart cybercrime prosecutions. Liz explores the chilling effects that strategic lawsuits can have on researchers when their findings are buried or discredited in lengthy and expensive legal process.

Liz also discusses ways to further leverage these cases as opportunities for closing policy gaps, extend anti-SLAPP legislation and improve open source intelligence data gathering.

Watch the full, fascinating talk below!

About the Presenter

Elizabeth (Liz) leverages almost two decades of legal, public policy, and business experience to advise researchers and to build and scale cybersecurity and threat intelligence focused companies. In addition to having led operations at two adversary research focused startups, her recent prior experience includes serving as the Senior Assistant City Attorney on Atlanta’s ransomware incident immediate response team. Liz was recognized as the 2022 “Cybersecurity or Privacy Woman Law Professional of the Year” by the United Cybersecurity Alliance.

About LABScon 2023

This presentation was featured live at LABScon 2023, an immersive 3-day conference bringing together the world’s top cybersecurity minds, hosted by SentinelOne’s research arm, SentinelLabs.