The UK, US and Australia have sanctioned the Russian leader of cybercrime gang LockBit. LockBit was one of the most prolific ransomware groups in recent years and was responsible for attacks on more than 200 UK businesses and major utility providers.
In a statement from the UK, the UK and its Allies took this decision to crack down on malicious cybercrime activity emanating from Russia and aimed at undermining global integrity, prosperity and security.
The latest sanction is part of an ongoing international law enforcement investigation targeting Russian national Dmitry Khoroshev, who has been identified as one of the leaders of LockBit, the ransomware group responsible for extorting over $1bn from thousands of victims worldwide.
In February, the NCA announced that the group had infiltrated its network and compromised the entire criminal enterprise by taking control of its services. The group has been in reorganisation over the last 2 months, but the NCA assessed that as a result of this investigation, they are now operating in limited capacity and the global threat from LockBit has significantly reduced.
They were responsible for 25 per cent of the attacks
The gang was responsible for 25 per cent of ransomware attacks globally last year, with LockBit targeting thousands of victims over the years, including more than 200 UK businesses.
As a result of the measures taken, LockBit’s leader Khoroshev, who is considered a gang, will now be subject to a series of asset freezes and will be subject to a travel ban.
