Two individuals, Ruslan Magomedovich Astamirov, 21, and Mikhail Vasiliev, 34, pleaded guilty in Newark federal court for their involvement in the LockBit ransomware group.
This group, known for its prolific ransomware attacks, targeted over 2,500 victims across 120 countries since its emergence in January 2020. Victims included hospitals, schools, businesses, and government agencies, leading to approximately $500 million in ransom payments.
“Astamirov and Vasiliev thought that they could deploy LockBit from the shadows, wreaking havoc and pocketing massive ransom payments from their victims, without consequence. They were wrong. We, in New Jersey, along with our domestic and international law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to hold LockBit’s members and other cybercriminals accountable, disrupt and dismantle their operations, and put a spotlight on them as wanted criminals – no matter where they hide.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger
Astamirov and Vasiliev admitted to deploying LockBit ransomware, which encrypted victims’ data and demanded ransom payments. When ransoms weren’t paid, they published the stolen data. Both face significant prison sentences, with Astamirov facing up to 25 years and Vasiliev up to 45 years. Their sentencing is set for January 8, 2025.
