Authorities in the US, Australia, and the UK have imposed sanctions on Zservers, a Russia-based bulletproof hosting services provider, for allegedly aiding the LockBit crypto ransomware gang. The sanctions include asset freezes against Zservers and its UK front, XHOST Internet Solutions LP, along with penalties for six individuals, including Zservers administrators Alexander Igorevich Mishin and Aleksandr Sergeyevich Bolshakov for their roles in facilitating LockBit operations. The US Treasury stated that such hosting providers enable online criminal activities impacting critical infrastructure. LockBit, known for extorting victims through ransomware, has reportedly caused billions in damages, including attacks on entities like Australia's Medibank. Blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis highlighted that several wallets linked to Zservers have been added to the US Treasury's Specially Designated Nationals list. Zservers has also allegedly assisted other ransomware affiliates and cash-out funds through platforms lacking stringent identity verification processes.

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