Access to VPN service used by ransomware groups cut off
CRIME: DoubleVPN was a virtual private network (VPN) service which provided a safe haven for cybercriminals to attack their victims. It was advertised as a means to mask the location and identities of ransomware operators and phishing fraudsters, providing a high level of anonymity by offering VPN connections to its clients.
ACTION: During an action day in June 2021, law enforcement and judicial authorities in Europe, the United States and Canada seized DoubleVPN’s web domains and server infrastructure. The Dutch authorities leading the case instigated a digital intrusion of the infrastructure that facilitated the gathering of evidence against DoubleVPN and its users.
RESULT: Servers hosting DoubleVPN content were seized across the world and the web domains were replaced with a law enforcement splash page.
EUROJUST’S ROLE: Eurojust facilitated the judicial cross-border cooperation leading to the takedown of the network. The Agency organised six dedicated coordination meetings, aimed, inter alia, at verifying and solving legal issues related to the collection of data in the countries concerned, and set up a coordination centre through which the operation was implemented on the ground by the various national authorities involved.
Major fraudulent German investment platform taken down
CRIME: A major fraudulent online German investment platform defrauded victims of at least EUR 15 million. After initial investments, victims were encouraged to pay more into the alleged investment fund, losing all of their money.
ACTION: During an action day in October 2021, the main suspect was arrested and eight places were searched.
RESULT: The fraudulent online investment platform was dismantled by the authorities in Germany, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Netherlands and Ukraine, and supported by Eurojust and Europol.
EUROJUST’S ROLE: Eurojust set up a coordination centre and assisted with the exchange of cross-border judicial information between all countries involved. The Agency also provided support for the execution of EAWs.
Eurojust is an agency of the European Union