March 14, 2024 at 02:35PM
LockBit ransomware kingpin, Mikhail Vasiliev, has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison and ordered to pay over CA$860,000 in restitution to his victims by a Canadian court. He awaits extradition to the US, facing additional charges. The LockBit gang, known for extorting over $120 million, was targeted by international law enforcement.
Summary: Mikhail Vasiliev, a dual Canadian-Russian national, has been sentenced to nearly four years in Canadian prison and ordered to pay over CA$860,000 in restitution following a guilty plea to eight counts of cyber-extortion, mischief, and weapons charges. Vasiliev was involved with the LockBit gang, and he awaits extradition to the US to face further charges related to his involvement. The prolific crime gang has extorted over $120 million in ransom payments and was previously targeted by an international law-enforcement effort. Despite this effort, the arrest of individual gang members has been slow. Law enforcement found incriminating evidence at Vasiliev’s home, including a “TARGETLIST” file and communication with LockBitSupp. Vasiliev’s defense lawyer cited the pandemic as a factor in his client’s involvement in cybercrime.