In an international effort led by INTERPOL, Operation Synergia has struck a significant blow against the rising tide of cybercrime, targeting phishing, malware, and ransomware attacks across the globe. Conducted from September to November 2023, the operation mobilized 60 law enforcement agencies from over 50 INTERPOL member countries, marking a critical step in the fight against the sophisticated networks of transnational cybercriminals.
Throughout the operation, authorities identified approximately 1,300 suspicious IP addresses and URLs, launching a coordinated crackdown that saw house searches, server seizures, and the confiscation of numerous electronic devices. To date, this concerted effort has successfully dismantled 70% of the identified command-and-control (C2) servers, with the remaining under thorough investigation.
Operation Synergia‘s reach was global, with substantial activities reported across continents. In Europe, where the majority of the C2 server takedowns occurred, 26 individuals were arrested, showcasing the operation’s significant impact. Notably, the police forces of Hong Kong and Singapore made impressive strides by taking down 153 and 86 servers, respectively. Meanwhile, on the African continent, South Sudan and Zimbabwe led the charge, with four suspects arrested between them. Elsewhere, Bolivia’s comprehensive approach involved various public authorities in identifying malware threats and vulnerabilities, whereas Kuwait’s collaboration with Internet Service Providers was instrumental in victim identification and offering crucial technical guidance.
The operation underscored the paramount importance of international collaboration in cybersecurity efforts. Law enforcement, national authorities, and private sector partners across the globe shared best practices and combined their efforts to proactively address the challenge of cybercrime. Critical support in the form of analysis and intelligence was provided by INTERPOL’s Gateway Partners—Group-IB, Kaspersky, TrendMicro, Shadowserver—and Ad hoc partner Team Cymru, illustrating the collaborative spirit that underpinned the operation’s success.
Bernardo Pillot, Assistant Director to INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Directorate, highlighted the operation’s outcomes as a testament to the global commitment to secure the digital sphere. By effectively targeting the infrastructure that facilitates phishing, banking malware, and ransomware attacks, Operation Synergia has moved us closer to a safer online environment. Pillot’s remarks encapsulate the operation’s broader goal: to enhance digital security and ensure a more secure online experience for users worldwide. Through these coordinated efforts, Operation Synergia not only disrupted current cybercriminal activities but also set a precedent for future international cybersecurity operations.
