LockBit ransomware group’s leader unmasked and hit with sanctions; UK house prices inch higher– business live

US, UK and Australia have sanctioned the senior leader of the LockBit ransomware group Photograph: Dominic Lipinski/PA

8.18pm BST

Full story: Dmitry Khoroshev named as alleged leader of ransomware gang LockBit

The alleged leader of what was once the world’s largest ransomware outfit, LockBit, has been named as Russian national Dmitry Khoroshev by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), after the seizure of the criminal gang’s infrastructure.

Khoroshev, who lived his online life under the name LockBitSupp, has been sanctioned by the UK, US and Australia as a result of the unmasking.

He was so certain of his anonymity that he once offered a $10m (£8m) reward to anyone who could reveal his identity. The US government is now offering a reward of up to $10m for anyone who can share information leading to his arrest or conviction.

LockBit was seen as one of the world’s most dangerous ransomware groups and its high-profile victims included delivery firm Royal Mail and aerospace company Boeing.

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4.47pm BST

Closing post

Time to recap…..

The UK, US and Australia have sanctioned the Russian leader of one of the world’s most prolific ransomware groups, LockBit.

As part of an ongoing international law enforcement investigation, Russian national Dmitry Khoroshev has been identified as one of the leaders of the group, which the Government says has been responsible for extorting more than one billion dollars from victims globally.

As part of the sanctions, the Foreign Office said he would now be subject to a series of asset freezes and travel bans.

The UK’s sanctions minister, Anne-Marie Trevelyan says:

“In sanctioning one of the leaders of LockBit we are taking direct action against those who continue to threaten global security, while simultaneously exposing the malicious cyber-criminal activity emanating from Russia.”

The US Justice Department has unsealed a 26-count indictment against Khoroshev returned by a grand jury in the District of New Jersey.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco explains:

“Working with U.S. and international partners, we are using all our tools to hold ransomware actors accountable—and we continue to encourage victims to report cyberattacks to the FBI when they happen. Reporting an attack could make all the difference in preventing the next one.”

US charges Russian National with developing and operating LockBit Ransomware

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