Former LockBit affiliates await lengthy prison terms in the U.S.

Two Russian nationals who admitted to being affiliated with the notorious LockBit ransomware group face between 25 and 45 years in prison, the US Justice department has revealed.

 

In a recent press release, the Justice Department said that the Russian individuals, Ruslan Magomedovich Astamirov and Mikhail Vasiliev, have admitted to operating as affiliates to the ransomware-as-a-service group.

 

According to a court document, Astamirov deployed LockBit ransomware against at least 12 victims between 2020 and 2023 and operated under the aliases “BETTERPAY,” “offtitan,” and “Eastfarmer,”. He derived at least $1.9 million in ransom payments from those victims. 

 

Vasiliev, who operated as aliases “Ghostrider,” “Free,” “Digitalocean90,” and more, also victimised at least 12 victims between 2021 and 2023 and caused at least $500,000 in damage and losses to his victims.

 

“Astamirov pleaded guilty to two-count information charging him with conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison. 

 

“Vasiliev pleaded guilty to a four-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse, intentional damage to a protected computer, transmission of a threat in relation to damaging a protected computer, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He faces a maximum penalty of 45 years in prison,” reads the court document.

 

In a statement shared with the media, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger, said, ““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.”

 

A sentencing date for the two Russian nationals has yet to be set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.