The UK has awarded a British crime fighter who helped eradicate the notorious ransomware group LockBit in 2024. Gavin Webb is an employee of the National Crime Agency (NCA) and was included in the King’s latest 2026 New Year Honors list. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
An OBE is awarded to an individual who has achieved outstanding achievements locally or nationally in any field. This rank is just two steps below knighthood or peerage. The NCA noted that Mr Webb, 51, was part of a group of officers who had a strategic role in Operation Kronos. Operation Kronos is described as the UK’s lead in an NCA-led international law enforcement operation. Disrupt LockBit.
Mr Webb is the NCA’s Regional Director for Multiple Threats and Border Investigations. His role in Operation Kronos was one of the few to tackle cybercrime. Mr. Webb is tasked with handling major cases involving firearms, drugs, and organized immigration crime.
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According to the report, Webb worked behind the scenes with others to disrupt the operations of the LockBit ransomware group and turn Dmitry Khoroshev’s infrastructure against him. NCA officials said Mr Webb’s role in the operation was highly influential as he took on a leadership role that contributed to the success of what they described as a “very complex operation”.
Mr. Webb role Cooperation with international law enforcement agencies is necessary to ensure the success of the case. Additionally, the official noted that Webb also worked with local law enforcement to ensure everyone was on board with planning, progress and their responsibilities for a successful operation.
He was also responsible for ensuring that all law enforcement officers participating in the operation knew the order in which their missions were required.
LockBit is a group that operated a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) platform from 2019 to 2024. During this period, the group grew ruthlessly, recruiting several members around the world and making a name for itself in the ransomware world.
At one point, it was the most active. Destructive ransomware groups. The group operated in 120 countries, targeting victims and stealing sensitive information about their cash and digital assets.
NCA Director-General praises award-winning officers
As previously reported, CryptopolitanThe Department of Justice completed the extradition of Rostislav Pandev, a developer working with the LockBit ransomware group, in March 2025. He confessed to authorities that he had performed several activities for the LockBit group, saying he worked on coding and development for the group and occasionally did consulting work.
He claimed to have created malware that disabled antivirus software and infected computers connected to the network. Pandev also confessed to providing technical guidance to the group.
In addition to Mr Webb, five other NCA employees received MBE awards, but their identities were not revealed due to the critical nature of their work. NCA Director-General Graham Biggar said the honor was well-deserved, pointing out that the officers receiving the award have truly gone above and beyond to protect the public by supporting victims and ensuring the most dangerous criminals are apprehended.
In addition, Samantha de Sousa, Director of the Economic and Cybercrime Program at the Home Office, was awarded the Order of the British Empire for outstanding public service. The two co-founders of training provider Capslock, Lorna Armitage and Andrea Cullen, were also awarded MBEs for outstanding services to cyber security.
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