The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies, has launched Operation Endgame, a massive coordinated effort to dismantle a sophisticated network of cybercriminals. The operation, spanning multiple countries and continents, represents a significant milestone in the fight against global cybercrime.
The FBI, together with partners from Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and with crucial support from Europol and Eurojust, executed a series of synchronized actions that resulted in searches, arrests, and the disruption of over 100 servers integral to the operations of multiple malware groups. This global effort has effectively debilitated the criminal infrastructure of these cyber syndicates, which have infected millions of computers and wreaked havoc worldwide.
“Operation Endgame demonstrates the FBI’s continued fight against cybercrime and malware-as-a-service models,” stated FBI Director Christopher Wray. “By leveraging our unique authorities and collaborating closely with international partners, the FBI conducted a first-of-its-kind international operation to dismantle the criminal infrastructure of multiple malware services. These services have infected millions of computers and were responsible for attacks on healthcare facilities and critical infrastructure services globally. Our commitment to combating borderless cybercrime remains steadfast.”
The operation, which commenced on May 28, 2024, involved a dozen countries working in unison to take down the criminal networks. This included law enforcement actions in Ukraine, Portugal, Romania, Lithuania, Bulgaria, and Switzerland. These efforts led to the arrest or interrogation of suspects, the execution of searches, and the seizure or disabling of servers used by cybercriminals.
Operation Endgame specifically targeted at least four notorious malware groups: IcedID, Smokeloader, Pikabot, and Bumblebee. These groups have been responsible for a range of malicious activities, from dropping ransomware on victims’ computers to stealing personal and financial information. One notable incident involved a hospital network in the United States, where the malware attack not only caused millions of dollars in damage but also endangered lives by compromising critical care systems.
“The results of Operation Endgame are astounding and send a strong message to cybercriminals around the world,” said Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Charlotte Field Office. “The FBI, with its specialized agents, computer scientists, and forensic experts, is determined to dismantle cybercriminal networks regardless of their location. We are proud of the critical role played by FBI employees from field offices across the country in this massive international takedown.”
The collaborative effort involved multiple FBI field offices, including those in Charlotte, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Los Angeles, and Cleveland, working in close coordination with the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the United States Secret Service, the Danish National Police National Special Crime Unit, French National Police and National Gendarmerie, Germany’s Federal Criminal Police, Dutch National Police National Hi-Tech Crime Unit, Portugal’s Polícia Judiciária, Security Service of Ukraine, and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency.
This international coalition, armed with expertise and determination, has dealt a significant blow to cybercriminals, disrupting their operations and preventing further harm to global cybersecurity. The FBI and its partners continue to underscore the importance of global cooperation in tackling the ever-evolving threat of cybercrime, ensuring that cybercriminals have nowhere to hide.