The identity of the leader of the notorious LockBit ransomware group has been exposed following a major breakthrough by international law enforcement, ending a long-term manhunt aimed at dismantling the infamous cybercrime syndicate. The disclosure comes from a comprehensive update by Cybernews.
The FBI, in collaboration with the US Department of Justice (DoJ), the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), and Europol, unveiled the identity of Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev as the mastermind behind LockBit. This announcement was made on Tuesday, highlighting a significant step in the ongoing battle against cybercrime.
Khoroshev, a Russian national, has been charged with creating, administering, and developing the ransomware group, according to the unsealed indictment by the DoJ. In conjunction, the US Department of State has offered a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to Khoroshev’s arrest or conviction, under the auspices of the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program (TOCRP).
Since its establishment in September 2019, LockBit has been recognized by the DoJ as one of the world’s most prolific ransomware groups. It has targeted over 2,000 victims and extorted more than $100 million in ransom payments.
The revelation marks a second phase in a concerted effort by the intelligence agencies, who managed to infiltrate and seize control of LockBit’s dark web domains on February 20th. The operation, dubbed “Operation Cronos,” effectively disrupted the gang’s activities at every level.
Moreover, the FBI has taken over the LockBit homepage, displaying a message that the site is now under law enforcement control, and has rebranded the website to mock the group using its own distinctive style. The authorities are using this platform to taunt the group and signal further actions, including a potential arrest.
As developments continue, Cybernews promises to provide ongoing updates on this significant cybercrime investigation.
