July 19, 2024 at 09:54AM
Two Russian nationals plead guilty in U.S. court for their involvement in the LockBit ransomware scheme, facilitating attacks worldwide. Ruslan Magomedovich Astamirov and Mikhail Vasiliev were accused of deploying the ransomware, demanding and receiving millions in ransom payments. Their sentencing is set for January 8, 2025. This comes after the unmasking of Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev as the operation’s administrator.
Summary of Meeting Notes:
– Two Russian nationals, Ruslan Magomedovich Astamirov and Mikhail Vasiliev, pleaded guilty in a U.S. court for their involvement in the LockBit ransomware scheme, facilitating ransomware attacks globally.
– Astamirov was arrested in Arizona, while Vasiliev, wanted in Canada, was sentenced to nearly four years in jail and extradited to the U.S. last month.
– The U.K. National Crime Agency revealed Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev as the administrator and developer of the LockBit ransomware operation.
– LockBit has attacked over 2,500 entities since late 2019, amassing approximately $500 million in ransom payments.
– The e-crime syndicate suffered a setback after the takedown of its online infrastructure in a coordinated law enforcement operation called Cronos.
– Astamirov and Vasiliev unlawfully accessed and deployed LockBit ransomware on vulnerable computer systems, stealing and encrypting data.
– Astamirov deployed LockBit against at least 12 victims between 2020 and 2023, receiving $1.9 million in ransom payments.
– Vasiliev used multiple aliases and faces charges related to conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse, intentional damage to a protected computer, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
– Both defendants are due to be sentenced on January 8, 2025. Khoroshev was charged with 26 counts earlier this year.
– FBI special agent James E. Dennehy emphasized the ability of law enforcement to stop and bring cybercriminals to justice.
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