Summary
Operation Cronos has led to multiple arrests and seizures targeting the LockBit ransomware gang, a notorious cybercrime group linked to significant ransomware attacks globally. Recent actions by law enforcement from 12 countries have resulted in the arrest of individuals associated with LockBit, including a developer and an administrator of a bulletproof hosting service.
The U.K.’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has played a central role in Operation Cronos, which aims to disrupt the operations of LockBit and its affiliates. Notably, the NCA identified Aleksandr Ryzhenkov, a high-ranking member of the Evil Corp cybercrime gang, as a LockBit affiliate involved in numerous attacks against victims. Recent arrests included two individuals in the U.K. for hacking and money laundering, and a suspected LockBit developer was apprehended in France. Additionally, Spanish authorities arrested a key figure managing the infrastructure supporting LockBit. These coordinated efforts have significantly impacted LockBit’s operations, reducing its affiliates from around 200 to 70 since May 2024.
Police arrest four suspects linked to LockBit ransomware gang
Oct. 1 / Bleepingcomputer / Highlights the extensive international cooperation in Operation Cronos and details recent arrests, providing a clear timeline of events and the impact on LockBit's operations, enhancing understanding of the crackdown. Offers unique insights into the connections between LockBit and Evil Corp, emphasizing the involvement of Russian state-backed cybercrime, which adds depth to the narrative of cyber threats and law enforcement responses. “ Law enforcement authorities from 12 countries arrested four suspects linked to the LockBit ransomware gang, including a developer, a bulletproof hosting...
Oct. 1 / Tech Crunch “ The U.K.’s National Crime Agency has linked a long-standing affiliate of the LockBit ransomware group to the notorious Russia-backed Evil Corp, a cybercrime...