Operation Endgame: Europol’s Mission to Dismantle Global Cybercrime

The Hague | November 13, 2025 — From November 10 to 13, 2025, Europol’s headquarters in The Hague served as a bustling command center, radiating urgency as officers from eight countries worked tirelessly to coordinate the dismantling of multiple global cybercrime operations. This mission, codenamed Operation Endgame, showcased international cooperation at its finest, as law enforcement officials utilized advanced techniques to combat pervasive digital threats in real time.

A Unified Front Against Cybercrime

The collaborative effort behind Operation Endgame included Europol, Eurojust, and various authorities from countries like Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Together, they aimed to dismantle the critical infrastructure underpinning some of the most damaging malware and ransomware campaigns globally.

By the end of the operation, officials were able to report impressive outcomes, including the takedown of over 1,025 servers, the seizure of 20 domains, the search of 11 locations, and the arrest of a key suspect in Greece. According to a Europol spokesperson, this operation marked significant progress in the ongoing fight against the systems that facilitate cybercrime.

The Malware Triad: Rhadamanthys, VenomRAT, and Elysium

At the heart of Operation Endgame were three notorious pieces of malware that posed some of the most significant threats in the cybercriminal underworld: Rhadamanthys, VenomRAT, and the Elysium botnet.

Rhadamanthys is a sophisticated information-stealing malware that has reportedly harvested millions of credentials and personal data from infected systems worldwide. Its operators had access to more than 100,000 cryptocurrency wallets, collectively worth millions.

Then there’s VenomRAT, a remote access trojan that gave attackers unfettered control over compromised computers. An earlier arrest of its alleged main operator in Greece was hailed as a crucial move in the battle against this formidable threat.

Lastly, the Elysium botnet functioned as an extensive network of infected machines, which were rented out to cybercriminals for further attacks. Its dismantling significantly disrupted a critical hub in the larger ransomware ecosystem, sending shockwaves through the cybercriminal community.

According to Europol, the operation’s success not only eliminated immediate threats but also conveyed a powerful message to cybercriminals around the world: law enforcement is targeting the enablers, not just the attackers.

Inside Europol’s Command Post

Central to Operation Endgame was a temporary command post established within Europol’s high-security complex in The Hague. More than 100 law enforcement officers from across the globe collaborated here, synchronizing various efforts to maximize operational success.

The team employed real-time crypto-tracing techniques and forensic tools for identifying compromised servers, coordinating arrests, and managing data seizures. To facilitate cross-border coordination, Eurojust ensured seamless execution of European Arrest Warrants and data requests, removing bureaucratic bottlenecks that can hinder rapid responses to cybercrime.

In addition, private cybersecurity firms played an invaluable role in supporting the operation. Organizations like CrowdStrike, Proofpoint, Spamhaus, and Bitdefender contributed technical intelligence, helping map out the infected infrastructure and bolstering the operation’s overall effectiveness.

As one senior official noted, this collaboration between public agencies and private researchers is a promising model for future endeavors against cybercrime. “The scale of these networks demands a global response, not isolated enforcement,” they stated.

Beyond the Takedown: Strategies for the Future

While Operation Endgame yielded significant immediate results, investigators cautioned that the fight against cybercrime is far from over. The dismantled infrastructure unveiled extensive interconnections among various ransomware operators, infostealer groups, and dark web marketplaces, hinting at a sprawling ecosystem of cybercrime.

Europol emphasized the importance of raising awareness among individuals and businesses regarding the potential exposure of their credentials. They encouraged everyone to check their information through official resources such as politie.nl/checkyourhack and haveibeenpwned.com to assess any potential risks.

With a symbolic declaration on its website, Europol stated: “Endgame doesn’t end here — think about (y)our next move.”

For law enforcement, the next phase involves enhancing cyber capabilities, strengthening data-sharing frameworks, and remaining vigilant in targeting enablers, including those who provide infrastructure, money laundering services, and broker deals that sustain cybercrime.

As one investigator summed it all up, “This was not just an operation; it was a message. The age of impunity in cybercrime is ending.”

Operation Endgame represents not just a tactical success but also a strategic milestone in the ongoing battle against digital threats. It serves as a testament to international cooperation and the proactive steps being taken to safeguard the digital landscape against those who seek to exploit it.