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Russian cyber criminals launched an attack on a website hosting a Bansky art sale fundraiser intended to raise money for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
The website allowed art collectors to register for a chance to purchase 1 of 50 unique prints created by Banksy, each priced at £5,000 (~$8,791).
However, as registrations went live, the site was bombarded by entries, including many from questionable Russian IP addresses.
Legacy of War released a statement, saying that it is currently working through the overwhelming number of applications.
“We are currently sifting through the registered entries and will notify successful applicants shortly,” the foundation said.
“The site received over 1 million requests (and 3,500 hostile attacks from Russian IP addresses), so we would appreciate your patience at this time.”
Banksy teamed up with international charity “Legacy of War”, which raises money for humanitarian efforts, providing civilians affected by war “rebuild their own lives”.
The famous anonymous artist created an artwork that depicts a rat sliding down a cardboard box with its claws, scratching out the F and R in the word “FRAGILE”, leaving it saying “AGILE,” likely referring to the way Ukraine surprised the world with its ability to withstand the Russian invasion, whilst Russia, depicted by the rat, hangs on for dear life.
Since the Russian “special military operation” that saw it invade Ukraine back in February 2022, Banksy has been active in Ukraine, with several of his artworks popping up around the country.
On hearing about the foundation, he believed that donating art was something he could do to aid the civilians affected by the war.
“In Ukraine, I saw a Legacy of War team sweep in and provide medical attention, heaters, fresh water, and a friendly face to some very desperate people in a bombed-out building,” he said in December, after agreeing to aid the foundation.
“They also lent me one of their ambulances to work from, which turned out to be extremely useful when an angry babushka found me painting on her building and called the police.
“I feel the least I should do is raise enough money to replace the number plates on the ambulances I hotted up.”
The funds raised will supply war-torn communities struggling through the winter with gas heaters, generators and solar-powered lights.
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