Russian-Israeli Developer Arrested in Israel for Role in LockBit Ransomware Operation, Faces Extradition to U.S.

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Rostislav Panev, a 51-year-old Russian-Israeli developer, was arrested in Israel in August for his involvement with the notorious LockBit ransomware group, which has extorted over $500 million from approximately 2,500 victims globally.

Israeli authorities announced last week that the U.S. Department of Justice has filed a petition for his extradition, with a hearing scheduled for January 5, 2025.

Panev is accused of being a key software developer for the group from 2019 to 2024, maintaining the infrastructure and creating malicious code that allowed the ransomware to evade antivirus software and spread across victims’ devices. He allegedly earned $230,000 in Bitcoin for his role in the operation. Investigations also uncovered his involvement in the creation of tools used to exfiltrate stolen data and customize ransomware for specific targets. The U.S. Justice Department has unsealed charges against Panev, including conspiracy to commit computer fraud, wire fraud, intentional damage to protected computers, and extortion.

The LockBit group, which has caused billions of dollars in damages, has been particularly active in targeting global corporations, small businesses, hospitals, schools, and government entities across multiple countries. The group’s victims include organizations in the United States, Israel, the United Kingdom, and several other nations. In total, over 1,800 U.S.-based entities, including 55 in New Jersey, were affected by the group’s operations.

This arrest follows a series of indictments and guilty pleas from other members of LockBit, many of whom are believed to be operating out of Russia. The U.S. Department of Justice continues its efforts to dismantle the group, with a focus on bringing all affiliates to justice. The U.S. State Department has offered up to $10 million for information leading to the arrest of Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev, the suspected leader of LockBit.