Artur Sungatov

Artur Sungatov, a Russian national, is recognized as a significant threat actor in the cybersecurity world due to his association with the LockBit ransomware group. He was indicted by the US Justice Department in February 2024, alongside Ivan Kondratyev, also known as Bassterlord. The indictment, unsealed in the District of New Jersey, charged them with deploying LockBit ransomware against numerous victims across the United States and globally. Targets included businesses in the manufacturing and semiconductor industries, among others. The indictment coincided with the seizure of LockBit's data leak site and infrastructure, highlighting the coordinated efforts to disrupt the operations of this malicious group. Artur Sungatov and Ivan Kondratyev were identified as key players in these cyberattacks, with Sungatov actively engaging in LockBit ransomware attacks and Kondratyev leading a sub-group within LockBit known as the National Hazard Society. Their activities had a widespread impact, affecting victim organizations throughout the US, including unnamed manufacturing firms. In addition to the indictments, the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) listed ten cryptocurrency addresses in sanctions against LockBit affiliates Artur Sungatov and Ivan Kondratyev. This move further signifies the seriousness of their offences and the intent to stifle their operations. The charges brought against Sungatov and Kondratyev underline the ongoing international efforts to combat cybercrime and hold threat actors accountable for their actions.