VPN used by hackers worldwide eliminated – administrator of the service exposed in Dnipro
Ukrainian law enforcement took part in an international special operation during which one of the administrators of the First VPN service was exposed. According to the investigation, the service was used to conceal hacker attacks, ransomware programs, and other illegal activities. This was reported by the National Police of Ukraine.
According to law enforcement, cybercriminals used the First VPN to hide their digital traces and anonymize their activities online. The service provided users with anonymity and effectively functioned as a separate infrastructure for the cybercriminal environment.
The National Police noted that according to Europol data, the First VPN was involved in almost every major international cybercrime investigation supported by the agency.
VPN services are usually used to create a secure connection between a user's device and the internet, hiding their location and network traffic. At the same time, the administrators of the First VPN openly positioned the platform as a tool for anonymous criminal activity.
The service was actively advertised on well-known cybercrime forums. The platform's website also claimed refusal to cooperate with law enforcement and judicial authorities, no user data retention, and no accountability to any jurisdiction.
As part of an international operation involving law enforcement agencies from seven countries, one of the service administrators was exposed in Dnipro.
During a sanctioned search at his place of residence, investigators from the National Police seized computer equipment and mobile phones.
Additionally, law enforcement dismantled over 30 servers related to the operation of the First VPN, as well as disrupted critical infrastructure used to support cybercriminal activities in various countries worldwide.
During the investigation, law enforcement officers gained access to the VPN service before its shutdown and obtained data on user traffic from those who believed they were operating in a fully anonymous environment.
To coordinate the international special operation, Eurojust held 16 coordination meetings involving law enforcement agencies from different countries.
Subscribe to our Telegram channel t.me/sudua and to Google News SUD.UA, as well as to our VIBER and WhatsApp, follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay informed about the most important events.
