The FBI reveals the identity of LockBit ransomware developer as Russian cybercriminal Dmitry Khoroshev
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has made a sensational statement, revealing the identity of the administrator and developer of the well-known ransomware program LockBit. He turned out to be Russian Dmitry Khoroshev from Voronezh.
A highly successful cybercriminal
Dmitry Khoroshev, also known in the hacking community under the aliases LockBitSupp and putinkrab, is considered one of the most successful cybercriminals. According to the assessments of law enforcement agencies in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, he has earned more than $100 million from his activities.
LockBit impact worldwide
The LockBit program, which first appeared in 2019, encrypts data on companies’ computers and demands ransom for their restoration. Over the years of its existence, LockBit has managed to impact numerous companies worldwide, from the US to China.
Manhunt for Khoroshev
Despite the efforts of law enforcement agencies from various countries over the years, the identity of the developer remained unknown until recently. Now that Dmitry Khoroshev’s name has become known, the FBI and Europol are actively searching for his whereabouts. In connection with this, they have announced a reward of $10 million for information on his current location. Sanctions have also been imposed on Khoroshev, including a ban on entry into the US and the UK and the freezing of his financial assets.
Current status unknown
However, Dmitry Khoroshev is unlikely to plan on visiting these countries, especially since his funds are unlikely to be in American or British banks. His whereabouts remain a mystery at the moment, and law enforcement agencies continue their search.
