The Dutch Police (Politie) has shut down bulletproof hosting service ZServers/XHost by disconnecting 127 servers used by the platform. Earlier this week, authorities in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom announced sanctions against the same provider for aiding the LockBit ransomware.
Zservers operators were accused of facilitating ransomware attacks and supporting cybercriminals' efforts to launder illicit proceeds.
The hosting provider, operated by Russian nationals Alexander Igorevich Mishin and Aleksandr Sergeyevich Bolshakov, was allegedly used to support botnet operations and distribute malware.
See also: Authorities shut down hacking forums Cracked.io and Nulled.to (Greece also participated)
Dutch police say Zservers knowingly supported the activities of cybercriminals and advertised its lax policies to potential customers, in a way inviting the scammers.
“ A bulletproof hoster is not just a company that ignores the rules – it is the backbone of global cybercrime ,” the Dutch police said in their statement today
“Without these “safe havens,” many criminals would have nowhere to host their hacking tools, stolen data , and fake websites.“.
One of the servers, which were seized, hosted hacking tools used in attacks by the Lockbit and Conti.
The servers were located in Amsterdam and cybercriminals could purchase services anonymously, paying with cryptocurrencies. After the seizure, the websites hosted on these servers are no longer accessible.
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The seized servers will be investigated to identify any other evidence that could indicate other cybercrime operations, as well as the individuals managing them.
No arrests were made in the operation . However, sanctions have been imposed on the administrators of Zservers. They remain at large, as no criminal charges have yet been announced against them.
The takedown of ZServers/XHost is just one example of law enforcement efforts to combat cybercrime together. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in international cooperation to eliminate these malicious enterprises.
A key strategy for combating cybercrime is to target the infrastructure that supports it, such as bulletproof hosting providers. These platforms have long been a haven for malicious activity, providing an anonymous and secure space for cybercriminals. However, with increased pressure from law enforcement agencies worldwide, these providers are facing consequences for their involvement in illegal activities.
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See also: Authorities shut down malicious marketplace Rydox – Three arrests
Disrupting these services not only hinders cybercriminals’ ability to operate, but also acts as a deterrent for others considering engaging in illegal activities. As authorities continue to target these key infrastructure elements, it becomes more difficult for cybercriminals to operate with impunity.
Source: www.bleepingcomputer.com
