U.S. imposes sanctions against leader of Russia-based hacker group

WASHINGTON. May 7 (Interfax) - Washington has imposed sanctions against the leader of the Russia-based LockBit hacker group, Dmitry Khoroshev, for developing and spreading the LockBit ransomware, the United States Department of the Treasury said on Tuesday.

"This designation is the result of a collaborative effort with the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United Kingdom's National Crime Agency, the Australian Federal Police, and other international partners," the Department of the Treasury said in a statement.

The United Kingdom and Australia also imposed sanctions against Khoroshev, the statement said.

"Today's action reaffirms our commitment to dismantling the ransomware ecosystem and exposing those who seek to conduct these attacks against the United States, our critical infrastructure, and our citizens. The United States, in close coordination with our British and Australian partners, will continue to hold accountable the individuals responsible for these disruptive and threatening activities," the statement quoted Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson as saying.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of State announced a reward of $10 million for information which may help determining the location of the key leaders of the LockBit group.

The sanctions targeting Khoroshev envisage the blocking of any of his property in the U.S. or his property in the control of U.S. citizens. In addition, all financial transactions related to him in or via the U.S. are banned.