Summary: Rostislav Panev, a dual Russian-Israeli national, was extradited to the U.S. from Israel after being charged with developing the LockBit ransomware, which has attacked thousands of victims globally. The extradition highlights the U.S. government’s commitment to combating cybercrime as Panev faces 40 charges of computer damage and extortion. The LockBit gang, considered one of the most destructive ransomware groups, has amassed over 0 million in ransoms before its disruption in February 2024.

Affected: LockBit ransomware victims, including organizations in the U.S. and internationally

Keypoints:

• PANEY was arrested in Israel in August 2024 following a U.S. investigation into the LockBit ransomware operations.
• The LockBit group reportedly attacked more than 2,500 victims across 120 countries, including 1,800 organizations in the U.S.
• The group members, including Panev, reportedly earned over 0 million in ransoms before it was disrupted by law enforcement.
• Panev is accused of having direct communication with the gang’s primary administrator, who remains at large.
• Victims are encouraged to contact law enforcement as a decryptor for the ransomware has been developed.