Ddos 
Europol and Eurojust have dismantled the digital backbone of several major malware strains used in ransomware operations. Dubbed Operation Endgame, the takedown—executed between 19 and 22 May 2025—marks a turning point in the international fight against cybercrime.
According to Europol, the operation led to the takedown of around 300 servers worldwide, neutralization of 650 malicious domains, and the issuance of 20 international arrest warrants targeting key figures in the ransomware supply chain. Authorities also seized EUR 3.5 million in cryptocurrency, further crippling the financial infrastructure of these illicit operations.
“This new phase demonstrates law enforcement’s ability to adapt and strike again, even as cybercriminals retool and reorganise,” said Catherine De Bolle, Europol’s Executive Director. “By disrupting the services criminals rely on to deploy ransomware, we are breaking the kill chain at its source.”
Operation Endgame zeroed in on initial access malware—a critical first step in ransomware attacks that allows threat actors to infiltrate systems undetected. By targeting these early-stage tools, law enforcement agencies are “striking at the very start of the cyberattack chain,” weakening the broader cybercrime-as-a-service ecosystem that enables ransomware campaigns to thrive.
The operation neutralized several high-profile malware strains frequently used by cybercriminal syndicates:
- Bumblebee
- Lactrodectus
- Qakbot
- DanaBot
- Trickbot
- Warmcookie
These malware variants are widely known for being sold or leased to ransomware groups to facilitate network breaches and payload deployment. Their disruption not only stalls current attacks but also hampers future criminal operations reliant on these digital tools.
This latest action builds on momentum from the historic May 2024 botnet takedowns, reinforcing the global cybersecurity community’s resolve to stay agile and proactive. Operation Endgame is not a one-off—it is part of a long-term, global effort to dismantle the infrastructures enabling ransomware at scale.
“Cybercriminals around the world have suffered a major disruption,” the press release declares, underscoring the scale and significance of the action.
As ransomware continues to pose an existential threat to businesses, critical infrastructure, and governments worldwide, Operation Endgame signals that the tide may be turning. With renewed international cooperation and sharper intelligence capabilities, law enforcement has shown that it can fight back—not just after the fact, but by striking at the heart of the ransomware machine.
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