Arrest and Extradition
Rostislav Panev, a 51-year-old dual Russian-Israeli national, was arrested in for his alleged role in developing malware for the LockBit ransomware group and is awaiting extradition to the .
The unsealed a criminal complaint detailing Panev's involvement, including developing LockBit ransomware encryptors and a data-theft tool, StealBit.
LockBit Ransomware Operations
LockBit, one of the most active ransomware groups, has been linked to attacks on over 2,500 victims in 120 countries, demanding at least $500 million in ransom payments.
Panev's arrest is part of a broader effort to dismantle the LockBit operation, with multiple arrests and a significant takedown operation in February 2024 involving law enforcement from 10 countries.