In a sweeping international crackdown on cybercrime, European, American, and Canadian authorities have dismantled a massive malware network by taking down over 300 servers and charging 20 individuals. The operation, codenamed Operation Endgame, is one of the largest global efforts yet to combat the spread of dangerous malware variants, reports Reuters.
The European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) confirmed the collaborative action in a statement on Thursday, highlighting the participation of law enforcement from Germany, France, the Netherlands, Denmark, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Authorities identified more than 36 suspects and issued international arrest warrants for 20 of them. During the operation, 650 malicious domains were neutralized, and €3.5 million in cryptocurrency was seized. The crackdown is the latest phase in an extended effort that began in 2024, which has so far resulted in the seizure of €21.2 million in assets.
The malware targeted in this phase is known as "initial access malware," which covertly infiltrates victims’ systems to create a pathway for additional malicious software like ransomware. These infections are often the first step in large-scale cyberattacks on institutions and individuals.
"This joint operation sends a strong message: we are united against cybercrime," said a spokesperson for Eurojust. Authorities emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing the global nature of cyber threats.
The operation is ongoing, with additional follow-up actions expected. Updates will be posted on the official Operation Endgame website, and German authorities are set to add 18 key suspects to the EU’s Most Wanted list by Friday.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
