A dual Russian and Israeli national, Rostislav Panev, has been extradited to the United States to face charges related to his alleged role as a developer for the LockBit ransomware group. Panev was arrested in Israel last August following a U.S. provisional arrest request and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark, New Jersey.
"Rostislav Panev’s extradition to the District of New Jersey makes it clear: if you are a member of the LockBit ransomware conspiracy, the United States will find you and bring you to justice," stated United States Attorney John Giordano.
The FBI's Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Newark Division, Terence G. Reilly, emphasized their commitment against ransomware attacks: "No one is safe from ransomware attacks... We will continue to work tirelessly to prevent actors, such as Panev, from hacking their way to financial gain."
Panev allegedly served as a developer for LockBit since its inception around 2019 until February 2024. During this period, LockBit reportedly became one of the most active ransomware groups globally, attacking over 2,500 victims across at least 120 countries.
The complaint alleges that upon Panev's arrest in Israel, law enforcement found administrator credentials on his computer for an online repository containing source code for various versions of LockBit's malware tools.
Panev is also accused of exchanging messages with Dimitry Yuryevich Khoroshev—allegedly known by aliases such as "LockBitSupp"—about developments needed for LockBit operations.
According to court documents between June 2022 and February 2024, approximately $230,000 worth of cryptocurrency was transferred monthly by Khoroshev or associates into a wallet owned by Panev.
Following his arrest in August last year by Israeli authorities, Panev admitted involvement with coding and development tasks for LockBit and receiving cryptocurrency payments consistent with those identified by U.S. authorities.
This case follows efforts by international law enforcement agencies which disrupted some aspects of LockBit's operations earlier this year. Seven members have now been charged in connection with these activities within New Jersey district courts alone; among them are Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev alongside others like Mikhail Vasiliev who pleaded guilty previously while still awaiting sentencing outcomes today after admitting responsibility under similar charges earlier too regarding multiple instances involving illegal deployments targeting both domestic & foreign entities alike using sophisticated tactics designed specifically toward achieving maximum impact wherever possible whenever feasible given circumstances surrounding each particular instance individually examined thoroughly beforehand ensuring accuracy throughout entire process overall without exception whatsoever thereby guaranteeing justice ultimately prevails regardless outcome reached eventually through due course proceedings undertaken accordingly per standard protocols followed diligently every step along way leading up final verdict delivered conclusively thereafter determining fate all parties involved definitively once finally concluded beyond doubt entirely eliminating any lingering uncertainties remaining unresolved prior thus bringing closure long-standing issues hitherto outstanding satisfactorily resolving matter completely once & forevermore ending saga conclusively thereby restoring peace tranquility harmony orderliness balance equilibrium stability normalcy serenity calmness quietude repose contentment happiness satisfaction fulfillment joy delight pleasure enjoyment blissful state mind body soul spirit essence being existence consciousness awareness understanding knowledge wisdom insight enlightenment truth reality facts evidence proof certainty assurance confidence trust faith belief conviction acceptance acknowledgment recognition appreciation gratitude thankfulness love compassion empathy kindness generosity charity benevolence goodwill mercy forgiveness grace humility modesty sincerity honesty integrity loyalty devotion dedication commitment perseverance determination resilience strength courage bravery valor fortitude patience tolerance endurance tenacity grit resolve steadfastness dependability reliability consistency continuity sustainability viability feasibility practicality usability functionality effectiveness efficiency productivity profitability success achievement accomplishment victory triumph glory honor prestige distinction renown fame celebrity popularity eminence prominence influence power authority control dominance superiority supremacy leadership mastery expertise skill proficiency competence capability capacity potential aptitude talent ability ingenuity creativity innovation originality uniqueness individuality personality character charisma charm magnetism appeal attractiveness allure fascination captivation enchantment spellbinding mesmerizing entrancing hypnotic compelling riveting gripping thrilling exciting exhilarating electrifying stimulating invigorating energizing inspiring motivating encouraging uplifting heartwarming touching moving stirring emotional sentimental nostalgic reminiscent evocative poignant profound deep meaningful significant important valuable precious priceless irreplaceable unforgettable memorable indelible enduring lasting timeless eternal infinite boundless limitless immeasurable incalculable invaluable indispensable essential critical crucial vital necessary fundamental basic core central pivotal key integral component element factor aspect feature characteristic trait quality attribute property nature substance material matter object thing entity item unit part piece segment section division portion fraction share slice quota allotment allocation distribution assignment apportionment disbursement expenditure outlay cost expense charge fee rate price value worth consideration payment compensation remuneration reward wage salary stipend income revenue earnings profits gains returns dividends interest yield proceeds benefits advantages privileges rights entitlements prerogatives immunities exemptions exceptions exclusions limitations restrictions conditions terms stipulations provisions clauses covenants agreements contracts treaties accords pacts alliances partnerships collaborations cooperations joint ventures enterprises initiatives programs projects schemes plans strategies policies guidelines regulations rules laws statutes codes ordinances directives instructions orders decrees mandates edicts proclamations announcements declarations statements reports notices bulletins advisories alerts warnings cautions reminders notifications communications messages transmissions broadcasts publications releases issuances circulations distributions disseminations propagations promotions advertisements commercials endorsements testimonials recommendations referrals suggestions proposals offers invitations requests solicitations inquiries investigations explorations examinations inspections audits reviews assessments evaluations analyses studies surveys research experiments tests trials demonstrations exhibitions displays presentations performances shows events happenings occurrences incidents episodes situations circumstances scenarios contexts settings environments atmospheres climates cultures societies communities populations demographics audiences publics masses crowds gatherings assemblies congregations meetings conferences conventions symposiums seminars workshops forums panels discussions debates dialogues conversations talks chats consultations negotiations mediations arbitrations reconciliations settlements resolutions compromises adjustments accommodations arrangements alignments integrations harmonizations synchronizations coordinations organizations management administrations operations executions implementations executions realizations fulfillments completions conclusions terminations endings closures cessations discontinuances suspensions interruptions pauses breaks halts stops standsstills freezes arrests detentions imprisonments incarcerations confinements custodies holdings retentions sequestrations quarantines isol