March 29, 2024

A Russian-Canadian citizen was charged for participating in the Lockbit campaign

A Russian-Canadian citizen was charged for participating in the Lockbit campaign

Mikhail V., a 33-year-old Russian-Canadian citizen detained in Canada, is to be extradited to the United States. There he faces charges of alleged involvement in a global ransomware campaign by the Lockbit cybergang. He was arrested on Wednesday this week.

as US Department of Justice ReportThe arrests were “the result of more than two and a half years of investigations into the Lockbit ransomware group, which has affected victims in the United States and around the world.”

Assistant Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco said, “This is another warning to ransomware actors: By working with partners around the world, the Department of Justice will continue to crack down on cyber threats and hold criminals accountable. Together with our partners, we will use all tools to disrupt, deter and punish cybercriminals.”

“Yesterday’s successful arrest demonstrates our ability to sustain and apply relentless pressure on our adversaries,” FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate was quoted as saying. The FBI has successfully engaged in “sustained investigative efforts” with federal and international partners.

According to the Department of Justice, the masterminds behind Lockbit have used their ransomware against at least 1,000 victims in the US and around the world since 2020. They would have demanded a ransom of at least US$100 million. The accused was allegedly involved in a lockbit campaign. He was charged with “conspiracy to intentionally destroy protected computers” and sending ransom demands. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison.

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Meanwhile, the Lockbite cybergang is still active. DAX company Continental is currently suffering from an extortion campaign. In this case alone, the cybercriminals want a ransom of USD 50 million.


(DMK)

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