Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev

Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev, a Russian national from Voronezh, has been identified as a significant threat actor in the cybersecurity landscape. Known by his alias "LockBitSupp," Khoroshev is allegedly the creator, developer, and administrator of LockBit, a notorious ransomware group. His real identity, which was once a closely guarded secret, was unveiled in May 2024 by the US National Crime Agency (NCA) during Operation Cronos, a joint law enforcement action spearheaded by the UK's NCA and the FBI. Khoroshev's activities have led to multiple charges being filed against him in the District of New Jersey, along with other members of the LockBit group. These charges followed guilty pleas from some of the group's members. Khoroshev's indictment was unsealed in May 2024 by the US, UK, and Australian governments following Operation Cronos, marking a significant step forward in the fight against cybercrime. In response to the threat posed by LockBit under Khoroshev's leadership, authorities have adopted a strategy of using the group's own tactics against them. This includes publically belittling its affiliates and revealing the identities of its leaders. Major actions have also been taken against the group's infrastructure, including seizure operations led by US and UK police forces. These efforts are part of a larger campaign against major ransomware groups, demonstrating a concerted international effort to combat cybercrime.