NewsGlobal crackdown on LockBit leader: Sanctions and a $10 million bounty

Global crackdown on LockBit leader: Sanctions and a $10 million bounty

The leader of one of the most dangerous cybercriminal groups, LockBit, was unmasked

Images source: © NCA, Twitter US Dept of State INL

7:09 AM EDT, May 9, 2024

Great Britain, the United States, and Australia have enacted sanctions against Dmitrij Khoroshev, the head of the notorious cybercriminal group LockBit, accusing him of orchestrating extortion schemes that amassed over a billion dollars from global victims.

The enigmatic leader of the formidable cybercriminal faction, LockBit, has been exposed, according to reports by Reuters, referencing statements from the British government. The mastermind behind the operations is identified as Russian national Dmitrij Khoroshev. In response, Great Britain, the United States, and Australia have levied sanctions against him, introducing measures like asset freezes and travel restrictions.

This action against Khoroshev is a key component of an extensive investigation into LockBit's activities, propelled by the concerted efforts of the British National Crime Agency (NCA), the American Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and various international allies within the framework of "Operation Cronos," as detailed in an NCA press release.

"Cybercriminals will find no refuge"

The imposition of sanctions signifies a clear message that cybercriminals, including Dmitrij Khoroshev, will find no refuge. Despite his attempts to remain under the radar, his identity has been uncovered, remarked NCA Director General Graeme Biggar, as reported by Reuters.

"The enforcement of sanctions on a key figure of LockBit illustrates our commitment to combating threats to global security and highlights the active measures taken to expose nefarious cyber activities emanating from Russia," articulated British Minister for Sanctions Anne-Marie Trevelyan.

A $10 million bounty

LockBit has notoriously extorted over a billion dollars from victims worldwide through its deployment of ransomware—malware that encrypts data and demands a ransom for its release. As noted by The Guardian, high-profile victims include companies like Royal Mail and Boeing.

Khoroshev, also recognized online as LockBitSupp, brazenly challenged anyone to reveal his identity for a reward of $10 million. The Guardian reports that mirroring his audacity, the United States government now offers an identical sum for information leading to Khoroshev's arrest and conviction.