Dmitry Khoroshev Named as LockBit Ransomware Mastermind by Global Authorities

International law enforcement exposes LockBit leader Dmitry Khoroshev. Sanctions, legal actions, and $10 million bounty aim to bring him to justice.

The international law enforcement community has identified Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev, a Russian national also known by the alias ‘LockBitSupp,’ as the administrator behind the notorious LockBit ransomware operation. This revelation, announced by the US Department of Justice, marks a key development in the global fight against cybercrime, pinpointing the individual linked to numerous international cyberattacks.

Coordinated Global Response

Collaborative efforts by the FBI, UK National Crime Agency (NCA), and Europol have led to a series of sanctions and legal actions against Khoroshev. These sanctions, implemented by the FCDO, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, consist of asset freezes and travel bans aimed at curtailing the operations of the LockBit ransomware group. These measures complicate the ability of companies to legally pay ransoms without incurring government penalties.

Moreover, the United States has put forth a $10 million reward for information that leads to the arrest and/or conviction of Khoroshev, as part of the Rewards for Justice program, emphasizing the serious approach taken by authorities in this case.

Impact and Recovery Efforts

Named Operation Chronos, the law enforcement initiative has significantly weakened the LockBit infrastructure. In February, authorities seized 34 servers that contained critical data such as the ransomware’s data leak website, stolen victim data, cryptocurrency addresses, and decryption keys. Europol has reported obtaining 2,500 decryption keys during the operation, which has enabled them to help victims of LockBit ransomware restore their files at no cost.

The measures taken against the LockBit ransomware operation and its leader represent a major advancement in global cybersecurity efforts. By identifying and imposing sanctions on Dmitry Khoroshev, authorities have not only disrupted a major ransomware operation but also demonstrated effective international collaboration in combating cyber threats. Further details are anticipated as the investigation continues, providing more insights into the scale of LockBit’s operations and the ongoing actions to apprehend its operators.

Last Updated on November 7, 2024 8:38 pm CET

Luke Jones
Luke Jones
Luke has been writing about Microsoft and the wider tech industry for over 10 years. With a degree in creative and professional writing, Luke looks for the interesting spin when covering AI, Windows, Xbox, and more.

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