Europol Strikes at Ransomware Networks Globally: 300 Servers and €3.5M Seized💻💰

In a major crackdown on cybercrime, Europol has successfully dismantled several key ransomware networks in a global operation. Between May 19 and May 22, 2025, law enforcement agencies around the world coordinated their efforts as part of Operation Endgame, taking down 300 servers 🌍, neutralizing 650 malicious domains ⚠️, and issuing arrest warrants for 20 key ransomware actors involved in cybercriminal activities.

A New Phase in Operation Endgame 🚨

This iteration of Operation Endgame builds on last year’s success in dismantling initial access malware groups. It specifically targeted new malware variants and the criminal organizations behind them, such as Bumblebee, Lactrodectus, QakBot, HijackLoader, TrickBot, and WARMCOOKIE. These are ransomware-as-a-service platforms that enable other cybercriminals to launch large-scale attacks.

Europol’s efforts were part of a broader strategy to hit cybercriminals at their most critical points—disrupting the infrastructure that allows ransomware to spread. 💥

Huge Financial Seizures 💸

In addition to the digital takedowns, authorities seized €3.5 million in cryptocurrency, pushing the total amount seized during Operation Endgame to €21.2 million. These funds were directly tied to ransomware groups that use crypto to launder profits from their attacks, demonstrating just how lucrative these operations can be. 💵🔒

Key Arrests and Identifications 🕵️‍♂️

Alongside financial seizures, 37 individuals have been identified by Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), with some now featured on the EU’s Most Wanted list. Among those targeted are key members of the QakBot and TrickBot ransomware groups. Notable figures like Roman Prokop, Danil Khalitov, and Maksim Galochkin are now facing legal proceedings. 🚨📝

Europol's coordinated efforts are a clear message to cybercriminals: no matter how much they try to retool and reorganize, law enforcement continues to adapt and strike back. 💪

Operation RapTor: Targeting the Dark Web 🕵️‍♀️

In parallel, Europol also launched Operation RapTor, which focused on dark web marketplaces. This international effort resulted in 270 arrests across 10 countries, including the US, Germany, the UK, and South Korea. Authorities seized over €184 million in cash and cryptocurrencies, along with 2 tons of drugs 💊, 180 firearms 🔫, 12,500 counterfeit products, and more than 4 tons of illegal tobacco.

With criminal actors shifting from large, traditional dark web marketplaces to smaller, more secretive vendor sites, Europol remains vigilant. Despite these changes, drugs remain the most trafficked commodity, although there’s been an uptick in fraudulent services like fake hitmen and scams targeting unsuspecting buyers. 🚨🛑

A Step Forward in the Fight Against Cybercrime ⚖️

These actions underscore the global fight against cybercrime, with law enforcement agencies working together to disrupt the entire ransomware ecosystem. Europol’s ability to seize funds, identify key actors, and neutralize ransomware infrastructure shows just how much can be achieved through international cooperation and cutting-edge technology. 🌐🔍

The message is clear: cybercriminals can run, but they can't hide. 🌍🚔

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