Ransom Man: 3. For the LOLz

Ransom Man: 3. For the LOLz

From Intrigue by BBC Radio 4

February 3, 2026 · 29 min · Season 11 · Episode 3

About this episode

Jenny Kleeman investigates the identity of hacker Julius Kivimäki and his notorious activities.

ransom_man’s final post contained clues to his identity. In those clues, former cybercrime detective Antti Kurittu recognises similarities to of the biggest hacker he ever investigated, a Finnish teenager called Julius Kivimäki. So who is Julius Kivimäki, and could he be the person who held a nation’s darkest secrets to ransom? Jenny’s search for answers leads her away from Finland, to meet a man in Illinois named Blair. Blair grew up in the hacking scene, and his time in the same circles as Kivimäki would shape his life forever. Blair found himself at the centre of a vicious online feud that spilled into the real world. It began with an unexpected takeaway delivery and ultimately put his and his family’s life in danger. Jenny explores how Julius Kivimäki became a globally notorious hacker - his name has been linked to grounding of a plane with a hoax bomb threat, the targeting of elite universities and multinational corporations, and perpetrating tens of thousands of hacks. But was Vastaamo among them? Written and presented by Jenny Kleeman. Producer: Sam Peach. Executive Producer: Georgia Catt. Sound Design: Sam Peach Original music composed, performed and produced by Echo…

People in this episode

Host: Jenny Kleeman

Guest: Blair

Topics covered

  • cybercrime
  • hacking
  • identity
  • true crime
  • investigation

Keywords

  • ransom
  • hacker
  • cybercrime
  • Julius Kivimäki
  • Antti Kurittu
  • Blair
  • Vastaamo
  • investigation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Vastaamo, BBC Studios, Echo Collective, BBC Radio 4

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