European police services took down around 300 servers linked to ransomware in a joint operation last week: 650 domains were also taken offline. Additionally, arrest warrants have been issued for 20 people and €3.5 million in crypto coins were seized.
Ransomware is a relatively new phenomenon, often used by hackers to target companies or government institutions. If one computer in the network is infected, all files are automatically encrypted. Only the hackers can release the systems again, after a ransom has been paid. The payment is usually made in the form of anonymous crypto coins such as Bitcoin.
The operation – called 'ENDGAME' – is a long-term collaboration between the Canadian, Danish, French, German, Dutch and American police services. By rolling up the servers, several botnets have been taken down. A botnet is a network of malware-infected computers that criminals can use to strike and carry out ransomware attacks, for example.
The capture of €3.5 million in cryptocurrencies brings the total value of seized digital currency to €21.2 million.
It is noteworthy that the suspects who have been on the Europol Most Wanted list since Friday morning mainly have Russian nationality. Russian cybercriminals are not extradited to the West and can therefore operate freely.
The Belgian police did not participate in the operation.
