Rajeev Raghavan, Former Special Counsel and Federal Prosecutor, Joins …

Rajeev Raghavan, a former Special Counsel to the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and federal prosecutor, has recently joined the Privacy and Cybersecurity Group at Crowell & Moring, expanding the firm’s capabilities in emerging technology and regulatory compliance issues. Raghavan brings more than 15 years of experience in handling cybercrime, technology, regulatory, and enforcement challenges, along with a background as a computer programmer, enhancing the firm’s ability to assist clients in responding to evolving cybersecurity threats and the changing legal and regulatory landscape.

During his tenure as Special Counsel to the FBI Director, Raghavan provided advice on significant cyber initiatives, AI strategy and risk, and internal security modernization. His expertise in technology played a pivotal role in the Bureau’s efforts to counter cybercrime and national security threats. Raghavan served as a trusted advisor to the Director and FBI senior leadership on various cybersecurity and policy matters, AI and other innovative technologies, federal surveillance authorities, criminal and national security investigations, and legislative oversight.

At Crowell & Moring, Raghavan will work with clients on navigating complex legal, technological, and government policy challenges, assisting with high-stakes cybersecurity, privacy, and national security issues. He will provide guidance on matters such as data breach investigations, regulatory inquiries, enforcement actions, and congressional investigations. Raghavan will collaborate with clients to develop tailored risk management strategies, including creating incident response plans, conducting tabletop exercises, implementing robust cybersecurity protocols, and enhancing compliance programs. Additionally, he will lead internal investigations, defend companies and individuals in white-collar and regulatory enforcement cases, and represent clients in intricate commercial litigation, drawing on his diverse experiences in both government and private practice.

Before joining the FBI, Raghavan served as an assistant U.S. attorney in the District of Maryland, where he handled a wide range of federal criminal cases. He led investigations into transnational cybercrime involving data breaches, dark web markets, ransomware, account takeovers, computer intrusions, and cryptocurrency fraud. Notably, he dismantled WT1SHOP, an online marketplace for stolen credentials, by coordinating the takedown of overseas servers and seizing domains in the U.S. Raghavan was also appointed as the district’s Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property Coordinator, overseeing cyber matters reviewed by law enforcement. In addition to cyber work, he conducted investigations into sanctions violations, national security issues, public corruption, procurement fraud, healthcare fraud, money laundering, and various financial crimes, earning several accolades for his contributions.

According to Jeffrey L. Poston, co-chair of Crowell & Moring’s Privacy and Cybersecurity Group, Raghavan’s ability to bridge legal and technical areas is invaluable in addressing emerging technologies like AI. Poston emphasized that Raghavan’s diverse background positions him to provide unique insights into the opportunities and challenges faced by businesses in today’s environment. As companies navigate evolving threats from various sources, Raghavan’s expertise will offer valuable guidance in adapting to the changing legal, regulatory, and threat landscape, strengthening preparedness, managing crises, and addressing complex challenges effectively.