Rostislav Panev, a dual Russian and Israeli national, was extradited to the U.S. on charges related to the LockBit ransomware group. Arrested in Israel, he was brought before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa. U.S. Attorney John Giordano emphasized the U.S. commitment to tracking down and prosecuting cybercriminals, regardless of their sophistication. The LockBit group, active since 2019, has launched attacks on over 2,500 victims across 120 countries, with a significant number based in the U.S. Panev's role was pivotal in developing the malicious software used in these attacks.
Rostislav Panev's extradition to the District of New Jersey makes it clear: if you are a member of the LockBit ransomware conspiracy, the United States will find you and bring you to justice.
No one is safe from ransomware attacks, from individuals to institutions. Along with our international partners, the FBI continues to leave no stone unturned when it comes to following LockBit's trail of destruction.
Panev acted as a developer of the LockBit ransomware group from its inception in or around 2019 through at least February 2024.
The LockBit group attacked more than 2,500 victims in at least 120 countries around the world, including 1,800 in the United States.
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