Alleged LockBit ransomware gang member arrested in Canada

K. Holt@krisholtNovember 11, 2022 2:02 PMIn this post: privacy, information, gear, ransomware, security, dojRapeepong Puttakumwong via Getty Illustrations or photos

Authorities in Canada have arrested an alleged member of the LockBit ransomware gang, in accordance to the Division of Justice. Mikhail Vasiliev, a twin Russian-Canadian citizen, is awaiting extradition to the US, wherever he is billed with conspiracy to intentionally injury protected computers and to transmit ransom calls for. Vasiliev faces a jail sentence of up to 5 yrs and a good of up to $250,000 if he is convicted.

According to the complaint, the LockBit ransomware initial emerged close to January 2020, and the FBI has been investigating those driving it due to the fact March of that 12 months. The DOJ claims LockBit is “one of the most energetic and destructive ransomware variants in the planet,” obtaining claimed at least 1,000 victims, together with a Getaway Inn resort in Turkey. The company extra that associates of the LockBit gang have demanded at least $100 million in whole ransom payments. The gang has claimed tens of millions of bucks from victims, in accordance to the DOJ.

“This arrest is the final result of about two-and-a-50 % decades of investigation into the LockBit ransomware group, which has harmed victims in the United States and about the globe,” deputy lawyer general Lisa O. Monaco said in a statement. “Let this be however yet another warning to ransomware actors: operating with companions around the planet, the Division of Justice will proceed to disrupt cyber threats and hold perpetrators to account. With our companions, we will use just about every readily available device to disrupt, prevent and punish cyber criminals.”

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