[pclmulqdq]

Usually, bitcoin is demanded because it's easy for a target to acquire, then it is swapped for Monero to wash it before cashing out.

[miohtama]

This is not true. Crooks do not bother with Monero or even hiding their traces.

https://capitalgram.com/posts/how-to-money-launder-bitcoin/

For example, the REVil author is known

https://threatpost.com/revil-ransomware-core-member/175863/

It is all about geopolitics, privateering and for Russia and China to see incompetent Western companies to suffer.