International law enforcement agencies have officially identified the leader of the LockBit ransomware group, ending a months-long pursuit of the cartel. The U.S. government is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the arrest of Russian Dmitry Yuriyovich Khoroshev. Khoroshev is accused of creating, operating and developing the LockBit ransomware, which hit more than 2,500 victims, stealing more than $100 million.
The indictment accuses Khoroshev of conspiring to commit cybercrimes, including breaking into protected computers and extorting information. According to the Ministry of Justice, he played a key role in supporting the group’s activities after the confiscation of servers at the beginning of the year. By his activities, Khoroshev caused billions in damages to schools, hospitals and other critical infrastructure organizations.
Attempts to destroy LockBit were successful thanks to the efforts of three special services. They hijacked LockBit’s infrastructure and confiscated the ransomware’s source code as well as support servers. The LockBit website is currently under the control of law enforcement officers. Despite this, the group managed to regroup and resume their attacks.
Khoroshev faces a maximum sentence of 185 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each of the 26 charges. LockBit is accused of extorting $500 million from victims worldwide.