Khoroshev Dmitry Yuryevich

Khoroshev Dmitry Yuryevich

Main article: Russian hackers

Biography

2024: Hit by US sanctions

On May 7, 2024, the United States imposed sanctions on Russian Dmitry Khoroshev, who is said to be the leader of the world's largest group of LockBit ransomware hackers. For information that will lead to his arrest, a reward of $10 million is assigned.

The LockBit ransomware has attacked more than 2,500 organizations around the world as of spring 2024, according to the US Department of Justice. It is alleged that the members of the group received a ransom totaling more than $500 million. Among the victims are businesses in many critical sectors, including financial services, education, emergency services and health care. At the same time, LockBit works according to the "ransomware as a service" (RaaS) model. Customers pay a deposit, order an attack and profit through a "partner program."

The United States added Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev, a Russian citizen and leader of the LockBit group, to the sanctions list for his role in developing and distributing the LockBit ransomware, the US Treasury website says.

The report says that the imposition of sanctions is the result of the joint work of the Ministry of Justice, the FBI, the National Crime Agency of Britain, the Australian Federal Police and other international organizations. It is emphasized that Khoroshev, being the head of the group and the developer of the LockBit ransomware, performed various operational and administrative functions, and also benefited financially from cyber attacks. In addition, Khoroshev, according to the US Treasury, contributed to the development of the LockBit infrastructure and hired new malware developers.

The sanctions imposed on Khoroshev provide for the blocking of any of his property in the United States or his property under the control of US citizens. In addition, all related financial transactions are prohibited.^[1]

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