EUROPOL announced that law enforcement agencies have dismantled a VPN service called 'First VPN' which was utilized by cybercriminals for ransomware attacks and other illegal activities. The operation, led by French and Dutch authorities with support from Europol and Eurojust, began in December 2021 and resulted in thousands of users being identified. The VPN, advertised on Russian-speaking forums as a secure tool for criminals, had claimed to offer anonymity and security but was ultimately compromised.
Key findings include the identification of 506 users related to serious offenses and the arrest of the VPN's administrator. The investigation involved multiple countries and highlighted the risks associated with using VPNs for criminal activities.