Sat Dec 21 04:52:34 UTC 2024: ## US Charges Russian-Israeli Citizen in Lockbit Ransomware Case
**Washington, D.C. –** A Russian-Israeli dual citizen, Rostislav Panev, 51, has been charged by the United States Department of Justice for his alleged involvement in the notorious Lockbit ransomware group. Panev, arrested in Israel in August and awaiting extradition, is accused of being a key developer for the group from its inception in 2019 until at least February 2024.
During this period, Lockbit became one of the world’s most prolific and damaging ransomware operations, targeting over 2,500 victims across 120 countries. Victims ranged from small businesses to large multinationals, hospitals, schools, and government agencies. The DOJ estimates Lockbit extorted at least $500 million from its victims, causing further significant losses through disrupted services and recovery costs.
Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that the DOJ’s efforts focus not only on dismantling ransomware networks but also on bringing the individuals responsible to justice. This charge follows previous successes, including guilty pleas from two other Russian Lockbit members in July and the February seizure of multiple Lockbit websites by international law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the UK’s National Crime Agency.
While Lockbit briefly reappeared online after the website seizures, cybersecurity analyst Jeremy Kennelly of Google’s parent company, Alphabet, asserts that government actions have significantly weakened the group, reducing its activity and damaging its reputation within the cybercriminal underworld. Although some affiliates may have joined other gangs, the crackdown has demonstrably increased the risks and consequences associated with ransomware attacks.
First Piper 