The United States Department of Justice recently released the indictment against a Russian national, Dimitry Yuryevich Khoroshev, for his alleged role as the creator and operator of the LockBit ransomware group. This group, active since September 2019, is responsible for numerous cyberattacks on victims around the world, including the United States.
Attorney General Merrick B. GArland highlighted the significant impact of LockBit’s operations, which targeted more than 2,000 victims and extorted more than $100 million in ransoms. The Department of Justice, working with international partners, has taken decisive action to disrupt cybercriminal operations like LockBit and hold those responsible for such activities accountable.
Khoroshev, also known by the alias LockBitSupp, is accused of developing and supervising the LockBit malicious cyber scheme. The indictment against him includes charges related to fraud, extortion, wire fraud and malicious damage to protected computers, with a maximum penalty of 185 years in prison.
The investigation into the LockBit ransomware group has led to charges against several people involved in its activities. The US government, along with partners such as teh FBI, is actively dismantling ransomware organizations and providing decryption solutions to affected victims.
Khoroshev’s alleged activities highlight the sophisticated and malicious nature of ransomware attacks, which cause significant financial losses and disrupt critical infrastructure around the world. The Department of Justice’s pursuit of these cybercriminals underscores its commitment to combating cyber threats and ensuring accountability for those involved in such illegal activities. LockBit victims are encouraged to contact the FBI for help and information on how to protect their networks from ransomware attacks.
