Suddenly the infamous hacker collective LockBit gets a face, but the Russian Dmitri Khoroshev is missing

The United Kingdom, the United States and Australia have imposed tough sanctions on the alleged leader of LockBit, a notorious hacking collective that extorts ransom from companies and institutions around the world with ransomware. Russian Dmitri Khoroshev (31), who always thought he could remain anonymous, is now being hunted by international investigation services. A reward of $10 million is available for anyone who provides the tip that ultimately leads to his arrest.

The Americans describe Khoroshev (alias LockBitSupp) as the “founder, developer and administrator” of LockBit. Of the estimated $1 billion that LockBit has stolen from victims since 2019, about $100 million is said to have ended up in Khoroshev’s pockets. He is now on the sanctions lists of the UK, US and Australia. The US Department of Justice has charged Khoroshev with 26 crimes. In theory, he could face up to 185 years in prison.

According to the FBI, Khoroshev has roots in the Russian city of Voronezh. Almost no one knows where he is now. LockBit itself says that Khoroshev is not the leader at all and that the FBI is bluffing.

KNVB also a victim

LockBit is considered one of the most notorious and aggressive hacker gangs in recent years. At least 2,500 organizations and institutions from 120 countries — from banks to healthcare services — are said to have fallen victim to the hackers. The KNVB also paid a ransom last year after cyber criminals affiliated with LockBit threatened to publish sensitive captured data. Criminals managed to steal IDs, home addresses and salary details of players from the Dutch national team.

A “joint operation” early this year by Western security and police services led to LockBit websites on the dark web being taken offline or commandeered. Two people were also arrested in Poland and Ukraine. The parties involved described the operation as a great success; according to the UK, cyber attacks involving LockBit ransomware in the country have fallen by more than 70 percent since the operation. It is not known how this works in other countries.

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