In this episode, we break down the latest and most impactful phase of Operation Endgame, the international law enforcement campaign targeting the backbone of the ransomware ecosystem. Between May 19–22, authorities executed a sweeping takedown of 300 servers, neutralized 650 domains, and seized €3.5 million in cryptocurrency, adding to a total of €21.2 million seized over the course of the operation.
We explore how this phase zeroed in on Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) and loader operations — the essential tools used by ransomware groups to infiltrate victims. Key malware families including DanaBot, Qakbot, Trickbot, Bumblebee, Lactrodectus, and Warmcookie were directly targeted.
This isn’t just about servers and code — indictments were unsealed against 16 members of the DanaBot cybercrime gang, and the alleged leader of the Qakbot operation, responsible for compromising over 700,000 systems, has been charged. We also discuss the arrest of a crypter specialist for Conti and LockBit, illustrating the depth of the disruption.
You’ll also hear how intelligence from previous takedowns, like Smokeloader, led to follow-up arrests — a sign that this multi-phase operation is not only reactive but deeply strategic. Operation Endgame is proving that even as cybercriminals adapt, global law enforcement can strike harder, smarter, and with precision.
