The 51-year-old dual Russian and Israeli national Rostislav Panev have been accused of being a key developer of the infamous Lockbit Ransomware gang, and has been handed over from Israel to the US, the Justice Department announced Thursday.
Panev was arrested in Israel in December 2024 and became a third party arrested for his role in Rockbit. Since then, Panev has been waiting for Israel to be handed over.
Prosecutors claim that PANEV is a developer working for the Lockbit Ransomware Group, working from the beginning of 2019 until February 2024. Panev and other Lockbit developers design gang malware, design infrastructure, and maintain gang affiliate marketing.
“If you're a member of the Rockbit Ransomware conspiracy, the US will find you and lead you to justice,” said lawyer John Giordano.