Who is the most wanted hacker in the world to whom the United States is offering 10 million euros? – executive summary

In the world of cybercrime, we don’t always encounter lone individuals carrying out attacks. Sometimes we find real multinational companies dedicated to digital crime. An example of this is LockBit, one of the largest cybercrime organizations in the world, which operates as a real company in the hacking sector.

LockBit’s tentacles extend around the world, most recently becoming famous for the computer attack on Seville City Hall in Spain. This organization is known for its attacks, which involve infecting systems with a malicious virus that prevents access to them, with the aim of extorting money from victims.

Fortunately, LockBit was dismantled last February in a major joint operation called Operation Kronos. However, the leader of this criminal group is still at large, and the authorities are determined to arrest him.

The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), working with the US and Australia, has revealed the identity of LockBit’s leader: Dmitry Khoroshev, a 31-year-old Russian national. Khoroshev faces more than 26 criminal charges, including extortion, theft, fraud and other cybercrime-related activities, which could result in a maximum sentence of up to 185 years in prison.

Khoroshev was responsible for developing, promoting, and supervising the software used in the LockBit attacks, as well as recruiting new members. After successful attacks, it keeps 20% of the ransom profits paid by victims.

Given the seriousness of his crimes, the US Department of Justice is offering a $10 million reward for any information leading to Khoroshev’s arrest.

Despite the efforts of the authorities and the seizure of LockBit’s systems, in March of this year, Khoroshev gave an interview to The Record, where he stated that the group continued to operate, perhaps using new software and under a new name, and perhaps with new members. The hunt for LockBit’s leader continues as authorities struggle to maintain digital security around the world.