In 2024, law enforcement agencies worldwide ramped up their efforts to combat cybercrime, leading to a series of high-profile operations aimed at disrupting the activities of hackers, ransomware groups, and other malicious actors in the digital space. As cyber threats continue to evolve in sophistication and scale, national and international law enforcement agencies have employed increasingly advanced techniques, collaboration, and cross-border coordination to tackle cybercrime.
Here’s a look at some of the most significant law enforcement operations in cybersecurity in 2024.
1. Operation Disruptor: Takedown of the “REvil” Ransomware Group
In one of the most significant cybercrime busts of 2024, Operation Disruptor successfully dismantled the notorious REvil ransomware group, one of the most prolific cybercriminal organizations in recent years. Although REvil had been targeted in previous operations, its leaders had always managed to evade capture — until now.
REvil had been responsible for a series of high-profile attacks on organizations worldwide, including critical infrastructure, healthcare institutions, and major corporations. The group’s ransomware-as-a-service model made it one of the most dangerous players in the cybercriminal ecosystem, and its attacks often resulted in significant financial damage.
The operation, spearheaded by the FBI, Europol, and Interpol, involved a highly coordinated effort to infiltrate and dismantle the group’s operations. In addition to targeting REvil’s infrastructure, law enforcement agencies arrested key members of the gang in several countries, including the United States, Ukraine, and Romania.
A particular success of the operation was the seizure of the group’s Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) platform, which had been used to distribute ransomware to thousands of affiliates worldwide. The takedown significantly disrupted the group’s ability to operate, and authorities are optimistic that the dismantling of REvil will have a lasting impact on the global ransomware landscape.
2. Operation Pangea XVIII: Crackdown on Online Drug Markets
In an ongoing battle against illegal online drug marketplaces, Operation Pangea XVIII targeted the dark web marketplaces that facilitate the sale of drugs, firearms, and other illicit goods. This year’s operation was one of the largest and most successful to date, involving law enforcement agencies from over 90 countries.
The operation’s focus was to infiltrate and disrupt dark web platforms that facilitated the buying and selling of illegal substances. In addition to closing down several major drug marketplaces, authorities made hundreds of arrests and seized large quantities of illegal goods.
Among the significant achievements of Pangea XVIII was the disruption of AlphaBay Market, one of the largest drug marketplaces operating on the dark web. The platform had been a significant hub for narcotics trafficking, weapon sales, and money laundering activities. By successfully taking down this platform, law enforcement agencies delivered a major blow to the infrastructure supporting illicit trade.
The operation highlighted the increasing global collaboration in combating cybercrime, with authorities sharing intelligence and resources in real-time to identify, infiltrate, and dismantle online illicit marketplaces.
3. Operation Trojan Shield: International Takedown of Encrypted Communication Network (ANOM)
In another groundbreaking operation, Operation Trojan Shield took down the encrypted communication platform ANOM, which had been secretly monitored by law enforcement agencies for over two years. The operation was a joint effort between the FBI, Europol, Australian Federal Police (AFP), and other global partners.
ANOM was marketed to criminal organizations as a secure and private communication tool, but unbeknownst to its users, it was secretly infiltrated by law enforcement agencies who were monitoring all communications. The platform had become a favorite among major international crime syndicates involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime.
In June 2024, authorities executed a massive global sting operation based on the intelligence gathered from ANOM communications. The operation resulted in the arrest of over 800 individuals involved in organized crime across multiple continents, including the United States, Australia, and Europe. The takedown of ANOM is considered one of the most significant achievements in cyber law enforcement in recent years, disrupting multiple international crime networks.
4. Operation Blackfish: Targeting Phishing and Business Email Compromise (BEC) Scams
As phishing schemes and Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks continue to escalate in both frequency and sophistication, Operation Blackfish was launched in early 2024 to target some of the most prolific cybercriminals behind these scams. Phishing and BEC attacks, which are responsible for billions of dollars in losses annually, involve cybercriminals using fake emails and websites to deceive victims into revealing sensitive information, such as bank account details, login credentials, and corporate secrets.
This international operation, led by Europol in partnership with law enforcement agencies in the US, UK, and Europe, focused on dismantling the infrastructure behind some of the largest and most damaging phishing campaigns. The operation led to the seizure of hundreds of malicious domains, the arrest of multiple cybercriminals, and the shutdown of several phishing toolkits used to carry out attacks.
The crackdown was particularly aimed at dismantling phishing-as-a-service operations, where criminals rent out phishing kits and services to other cybercriminals. Authorities hope that disrupting these operations will reduce the overall scale of phishing and BEC-related crimes.
5. Operation Takedown: Coordinated Efforts Against Cryptocurrency Money Laundering
As the use of cryptocurrency for illicit transactions has surged, law enforcement agencies have begun increasing efforts to target money laundering operations that use digital currencies. Operation Takedown in 2024 was a collaborative effort between the FBI, Europol, and national financial crime agencies to investigate and disrupt the use of cryptocurrency platforms in illegal activities such as money laundering, ransomware payments, and darknet transactions.
The operation identified and dismantled multiple cryptocurrency exchanges and platforms that had been facilitating illicit transactions. Authorities were able to seize assets and freeze accounts tied to ransomware payments and illegal transactions, cutting off the financial flow for cybercriminal groups.
The crackdown was notable for its increased focus on cryptocurrency mixing services (also known as tumblers), which allow cybercriminals to obfuscate the source of funds by mixing illicit cryptocurrency with legitimate transactions. By targeting these services, law enforcement has significantly hindered criminals’ ability to launder money through digital assets.
Conclusion: Strengthening Global Cybersecurity Collaboration
The law enforcement operations of 2024 have shown that global cooperation and advanced cybersecurity techniques are essential in combating cybercrime. From ransomware attacks to illicit drug trade on the dark web, authorities have demonstrated that cybercriminals are not beyond reach.
What stands out in these operations is the growing level of international collaboration among law enforcement agencies, private-sector cybersecurity firms, and even some tech companies. As cybercrime continues to evolve, the combined efforts of these agencies will be crucial in tackling emerging threats and protecting global infrastructure.
With the rise of AI-driven cyberattacks, the weaponization of deepfakes, and the growing sophistication of cybercriminal tactics, 2024 has set the stage for more aggressive, proactive law enforcement operations in the future. As cyber threats become more complex, so too will the responses from the global cybersecurity community.
