Rostislav Panev, a 51-year-old twin Russian and Israeli nationwide who’s accused of being a key developer for the infamous LockBit ransomware gang, has been extradited from Israel to america, the Division of Justice announced on Thursday. 

Panev was arrested in Israel in December 2024, changing into the third person arrested for his or her position 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 till at the least February 2024. Panev and different LockBit builders designed the gang’s malware and maintained its infrastructure, and break up the felony proceeds with the gang’s associates, who had been those finishing up cyberattacks and extorting victims, in response to the DOJ. 

“If you’re a member of the LockBit ransomware conspiracy, america will discover you and produce you to justice,” stated U.S. Legal professional John Giordano.