Khoroshev has allegedly had involvement in LockBit because it first emerged in September 2019. Through the years, LockBit ransomware assaults have claimed over 2,500 victims in at the least 120 nations, with Khoroshev and different co-conspirators allegedly amassing at the least $500 million in ransom funds.
In February, US and UK regulation enforcement seized the websites and servers utilized by LockBit and even obtained the keys they might use to assist organizations regain entry to their information. On the time, it additionally charged Artur Sungatov and Ivan Kondratyev with deploying LockBit towards victims within the US.
Khoroshev allegedly took 20 % of every ransom cost extorted from victims and likewise operated the group’s information leak web site. Legislation enforcement discovered that Khoroshev saved victims’ stolen information even after the group “falsely promised” it could delete the knowledge when receiving a cost.
“Immediately’s indictment marks a major milestone within the investigation and prosecution of LockBit, which has already led to costs towards 5 different LockBit associates — two of whom are in custody awaiting trial — and a significant disruption of the now discredited LockBit operation,” US Legal professional Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey says in an announcement.
Khoroshev faces 26 costs — together with one rely of conspiracy to commit fraud and eight counts of extortion to break to a protected laptop — and as much as 185 years in jail. Along with sanctioning Khoroshev, the feds are providing a $10 million reward for info that helps regulation enforcement apprehend him.