LockBit developer arrested

In August 2024, Rostislav Panev, who has dual Russian-Israeli citizenship, was arrested in Israel on suspicion of developing the dangerous LockBit malware. He is currently in custody awaiting extradition to the United States

According to the case file, he was involved in creating code to bypass antivirus systems, deploying ransomware on victims’ networks and ensuring the security of ransomware demonstrations. The evidence includes access to a LockBit code repository found on his computer, private correspondence with LockBit administrator Dmytro Khoroschev, and $230,000 worth of cryptocurrency transactions during the period of cooperation.

LockBit is considered one of the most active cybercriminal groups, responsible for attacks on 2,500 organizations in 120 countries, including 1,800 in the United States. Criminals received more than $500 million in ransom and caused billions in damages. Despite the arrest of Paneev, Dmytro Goloschev and other leaders of the group remain at large, and the US is offering up to $10 million for information on their whereabouts: these arrests demonstrate the effectiveness of international cooperation in the fight against cybercrime. Nevertheless, the group remains a threat even after a major attack on LockBit’s infrastructure and needs further attention from law enforcement agencies and organizations.