LockBit ransomware: Russian operator arrested in Canada

A Russian operator, who worked to administer the well-known LockBit ransomware, was arrested in Canada. Here are the details of the story

This was announced todayEuropol, the arrest of a Russian citizen linked to the attacks ransomware LockBit which have affected large organizations, critical infrastructures and high profile companies around the world.

The suspect was arrested last month in Ontario, Canada, following an investigation conducted by French National Gendarmerie with the help of European Cybercrime Center (EC3) of Europol, dell’FBI and of Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Canadian. We report part of today’s press release;

One of the most prolific ransomware operators in the world was arrested on October 26 in Ontario, Canada, ”Europol said today.

LockBit ransomware: Russian operator arrested in Canada

“A 33-year-old Russian national, the suspect is believed to have used the LockBit ransomware to conduct attacks on critical infrastructure and large industrial groups around the world.” These the words uttered by law enforcement officers, who also seized eight computers and 32 external hard drives, two firearms and 400,000 euros of cryptocurrency. Europol added that the operator of LockBit it was a “high value” target due to its involvement in numerous major ransomware cases, known for attempting to extort between € 5 million and € 70 million ransom from victims.

The suspect will now face charges in the US and the US Department of Justice (DOJ) is expected to release a statement later in the day. Although Europol describes the suspect as a “Operator” of the LockBit ransomware, and it is likely that he is an affiliate rather than a manager of the cybercrime operation. Also, the representative of LockBit, known as “LockBitSupp”, posted on hacker forums until yesterday.

This shutdown follows a similar action in Ukraine in October 2021when a joint international law enforcement operation it has involved the FBIthe French police and the Ukrainian national police led to the arrest of two of his accomplices.

While Europol and Ukrainian police announcements described the suspects as members of a high-level ransomware gang, Europol told BleepingComputer that it could not name the group for operational reasons.

“Both individuals were part of the same group that not only focused on ransom attacks, but also laundered criminal funds,” Europol said. Both suspects were arrested in Kiev, Ukraineand one of them was described as a 25-year-old male “hacker”.

Last year, Ukrainian police also arrested other suspects believed to be members of the Clop and Egregor ransomware operations. In October 2021, Europol also announced that law enforcement officers have arrested 12 suspects in Ukraine and Switzerland, believed to be linked to the LockerGoga, MegaCortex and Dharma ransomware attacks, which affected more than 1,800 victims in 71 countries. If you want to continue to know the latest news from the hardware and software world, keep following us. Greetings from TechGameWorld.com.