Wed Jul 16 20:17:49 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
A coordinated international law enforcement operation involving 19 countries has disrupted the pro-Russian cybercrime network NoName057(16). Since 2022, the group has launched thousands of attacks against Ukraine and its allies, targeting governments, banks, critical infrastructure, and even events like the Eurovision Song Contest. The operation dismantled the group’s attack infrastructure and central servers. Authorities have issued arrest warrants and made arrests in France and Spain. The group recruited over 4,000 volunteers via Telegram, incentivizing them with cryptocurrency and gamified rewards, while emotionally manipulating them with a pro-Russian narrative.
**News Article:**
**International Operation Dismantles Pro-Russian Cybercrime Network NoName057(16) After Thousands of Attacks**
**The Hague -** In a major blow to pro-Russian cybercrime, an international operation spanning 19 countries has successfully dismantled the network of NoName057(16), a group responsible for thousands of attacks against Ukraine and its European allies. Europol announced the coordinated effort on Wednesday, revealing that law enforcement agencies from North America and Europe jointly took down the cybercrime network’s attack infrastructure, consisting of over one hundred computer systems worldwide, and took its central server infrastructure offline.
Operating since 2022, NoName057(16) initially focused on Ukraine but expanded its reach to target critical infrastructure, governments, banks, and even major public events across Europe. Notable targets included Swedish authorities, German companies and institutions, and the recent NATO meeting in the Netherlands. In Switzerland, they targeted more than 200 Swiss websites and disrupted events like a video address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the Swiss parliament and the popular Eurovision Song Contest.
The group recruited over 4,000 volunteers via Telegram, paying them in cryptocurrency. Europol reports that the group used gamified incentives like leader boards and badges to motivate participants. “This gamified manipulation, often targeted at younger offenders, was emotionally reinforced by a narrative of defending Russia or avenging political events,” Europol stated.
German prosecutors have issued six arrest warrants for suspects in Russia, two of whom are allegedly the group’s main leaders. One suspect was arrested in France, and another in Spain. Authorities in the United States, namely the FBI, were also involved. A criminal case in Switzerland has been opened since June 2023.
The operation underscores growing concerns among European authorities about hybrid threats emanating from Russia, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. These threats, which include cyberattacks, assassinations, and alleged bomb plots, are often attributed to state actors. Russia has consistently denied involvement.
The takedown of NoName057(16) marks a significant victory in the fight against cybercrime and sends a strong message to those seeking to destabilize Ukraine and its allies through malicious online activity.
First Piper 