The U.S. Department of Justice has charged Rostislav Panev, a 51-year-old Russian-Israeli national, for his alleged involvement in developing and managing infrastructure for the LockBit ransomware group. Panev was arrested in Israel in August and faces extradition to the United States.

Key Developments:
– Panev allegedly developed LockBit ransomware encryptors and the “StealBit” data-theft tool
– Law enforcement found administrator credentials on his computer linking him to LockBit’s dark web repository
– The repository contained source code for multiple LockBit versions and the StealBit tool
– Evidence shows communication between Panev and LockBit’s primary operator, Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev
– Panev reportedly earned approximately $230,000 over 18 months through cryptocurrency payments

Recent LockBit Disruption:
– Panev is the seventh LockBit member charged since 2023
– In February 2024, “Operation Cronos” involving 10 countries disrupted LockBit’s infrastructure
– Law enforcement seized over 7,000 decryption keys and affiliate information
– The U.S. State Department offers $10 million rewards for information leading to arrests of LockBit members

The case represents a significant breakthrough in international efforts to combat ransomware operations, with multiple arrests and charges filed against LockBit members in recent months.