Rostislav Panev, a 51-year-old dual Russian and Israeli national who is accused of being a key developer for the notorious LockBit ransomware gang, has been extradited from Israel to the United States, the Department of Justice announced on Thursday.
Panev was arrested in Israel in December 2024, becoming the third person arrested for their role in LockBit. Since then, Panev had been awaiting extradition in Israel.
Prosecutors allege Panev was a developer working for the LockBit ransomware group from its beginnings in 2019 and until at least February 2024. Panev and other LockBit developers designed the gang’s malware and maintained its infrastructure, and split the criminal proceeds with the gang’s affiliates, who were the ones carrying out cyberattacks and extorting victims, according to the DOJ.
“If you are a member of the LockBit ransomware conspiracy, the United States will find you and bring you to justice,” said U.S. Attorney John Giordano.