Russian e-commerce giant Wildberries says DDoS attack delayed payments to sellers
Wildberries, a major Russian e-commerce platform, is experiencing significant payment delays to its sellers due to a suspected DDoS attack, potentially impacting over $240 million in outstanding payments. The delays stem from security measures implemented following a cyberattack attributed by Ukrainian intelligence to the Cyber Corps hacking group, which was intended to exacerbate damage from Ukrainian strikes on Wildberries warehouses. The situation has prompted calls for government intervention and an antitrust investigation.
Wildberries, one of Russia’s largest online marketplaces, is facing substantial difficulties in processing payments to its sellers. The company announced that a cyberattack, linked to a Ukrainian intelligence operation involving the Cyber Corps hacking group, has caused delays in payments, leaving merchants with unpaid funds totaling approximately $240 million.
Ukrainian military intelligence, HUR, stated last month that an operation conducted in coordination with Cyber Corps disrupted Wildberries’ digital infrastructure, affecting customer service, contact centers, and payment systems. The goal of this operation was to amplify the damage caused by Ukrainian strikes on Wildberries’ warehouses, resulting in the loss of over 1.2 million square meters of warehouse space.
Wildberries has implemented security measures that temporarily suspend payment processing during attacks, leading to longer withdrawal times for sellers. The Russian Union of Marketplace Sellers has expressed concerns about the company’s explanation, suggesting it is using external factors to conceal issues. They also noted that foreign sellers continued to receive payments on schedule during the same period.
The situation has prompted the Russian Union of Marketplace Sellers to request government intervention and an antitrust investigation into the delays. Wildberries maintains a vast logistics network and has reportedly offered military-related equipment, including drone components and body armor, alongside standard consumer goods.
Wildberries did not publicly confirm the Ukrainian intelligence agency’s claims or state whether the DDoS attacks blamed for the payment delays were connected to that operation. The company has stated that sellers’ funds remain safe and will be transferred once technical procedures are completed.