U.S. Charges Russian-Israeli National for Role in LockBit Ransomware Group

Rostislav Panev, accused of developing ransomware tools, awaits extradition from Israel after allegedly aiding one of the world's most destructive cybercriminal organizations.

Rostislav Panev, a dual Russian-Israeli citizen, was arrested in Israel in August and is charged with developing malware for the LockBit ransomware group since its inception in 2019.
LockBit has been linked to over 2,500 attacks across 120 countries, targeting businesses, hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure, and extorting at least $500 million in ransom payments.
Panev allegedly created tools like the LockBit ransomware encryptor and StealBit data-theft tool, and maintained infrastructure used by the group to deploy attacks and extort victims.
Authorities discovered administrator credentials and source code for LockBit tools on Panev's computer, along with evidence of cryptocurrency payments totaling approximately $230,000 for his work with the group.
Panev is the seventh member of LockBit charged by U.S. authorities as part of an international effort to disrupt the group, which has caused billions in damages globally.

U.S. Department of Justice