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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

Police Tease Announcements on Seized LockBit Leak Site

Police Tease Announcements on Seized LockBit Leak Site
Author Image Husain Parvez
Husain Parvez Published on 7th May 2024 Cybersecurity Researcher

An international coalition of law enforcement agencies has turned the tables on the notorious LockBit ransomware gang by reviving and repurposing its seized dark web site. Originally taken down in an operation earlier this year, the site is now being used to tease and announce upcoming revelations about the criminal group's inner workings.

According to TechCrunch, the resurrected site features posts with titles such as "Who is LockBitSupp?" and "More LB hackers exposed." These posts, which hint at significant disclosures, are currently gated by a timer set to end at 9 a.m. ET on Tuesday, May 7.

The operation that originally led to the takedown of the site, known as Operation Cronos, was a collaborative effort involving the FBI, the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), Europol, and other international partners. It resulted in the takedown of 34 servers across Europe and the US, along with the seizure of over 200 cryptocurrency wallets associated with the hackers. The site now serves as a peculiar mix of a press release platform and a teaser for further announcements, demonstrating an unconventional use of seized digital assets.

However, a previous post made via the same website some time ago also hinted that it would reveal the identity of LockBitSupp (the alleged leader of the operation). But after several days of waiting, the post failed to identify LockBitSupp, though the authorities alleged that “We know who he is. We know where he lives. We know how much he is worth. LockBitSupp has engaged with Law Enforcement :)."

Many are hoping the authorities will announce a decisive blow against LockBit this time around, who have been one of the most resilient and successful ransomware gangs in recent history.

The use of the dark web site in this manner is an interesting move and represents a shift in how authorities handle the aftermath of cyber operations. Despite these efforts, the gang has continued its nefarious activities, proving that the battle is far from over.

About the Author

Husain Parvez is a Cybersecurity Researcher and News Writer at vpnMentor, focusing on VPN reviews, detailed how-to guides, and hands-on tutorials. Husain is also a part of the vpnMentor Cybersecurity News bulletin and loves covering the latest events in cyberspace and data privacy.