LockBit Ransomware Developer Extradited to U.S. for Prosecution
Rostislav Panev, a dual Russian-Israeli national, faces charges for his role in developing malware for one of the world's most destructive ransomware groups.
- Rostislav Panev, 51, was extradited from Israel to the United States after being arrested in August 2024 on charges related to his involvement with the LockBit ransomware group.
- Panev allegedly acted as a core developer for LockBit since its inception in 2019, creating tools like the ransomware encryptors and StealBit data theft software.
- The LockBit group is accused of targeting over 2,500 victims across 120 countries, extracting over $500 million in ransom payments, with 72% of victims based in the U.S.
- Evidence found on Panev's laptop reportedly included credentials for LockBit's internal systems and source code for its malware, supporting his alleged role in the operation.
- Panev's extradition follows international efforts to dismantle LockBit, including arrests and indictments of other key members and a disruption of the group's infrastructure in February 2024.
U.S. Department of Justice 