In a significant victory against cybercrime, Europol has spearheaded an operation that resulted in the arrest of four individuals and the dismantling of over 100 servers associated with a notorious group of hackers and malware developers.

The operation, dubbed “Operation Endgame,” was conducted between May 27 and 29 and described by Europol on May 30 as “the largest ever operation against botnets” — networks of computers hijacked to deploy malicious software, including ransomware.

The botnets targeted in this operation included IcedID, SystemBC, Pikabot, Smokeloader, Bumblebee, and Trickbot, all of which are now offline. These programs, known as “droppers,” infiltrate systems through methods such as phishing emails and subsequently install malicious code, enabling attackers to exploit the infected systems.

According to the Security Service of Ukraine, the hacking group breached networks of prominent companies and sold access to other cybercriminals. The collaborative effort involved law enforcement agencies from Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Ted Cruz Joins Bitcoin Mining Industry

Senator Ted Cruz has made headlines by entering the Bitcoin mining industry, purchasing mining units for a facility in Iraan, Texas. On May 31, Cruz shared pictures of his new venture on social media, expressing his pride in joining the ranks of Texas Bitcoin miners.

While the cost of his investment wasn’t disclosed, Bitcoin mining units typically range from $3,500 to $4,500 and can generate approximately $10 worth of Bitcoin daily, excluding operational costs. Cruz, a known advocate for Bitcoin in Congress, has been a vocal proponent of transforming Texas into a hub for cryptocurrency mining. In January 2023, he proposed a resolution to mandate that vending machines and food service contractors in the U.S. Capitol accept cryptocurrency payments, though the proposal has yet to see any legislative action.

Source: Tez Cruz

El Salvador Airport Hotel’s Tokenized Fundraising Struggles

Inversiones Laguardia S.A. de C.V. (HILSV), the developer aiming to construct a Hampton by Hilton near El Salvador International Airport, is facing challenges in raising its $6.25 million target through a tokenized debt offering. With over half of the 30-day fundraising period elapsed, the project has only secured $342,000.

The fundraising, hosted by Bitfinex Securities El Salvador, seeks to finance an 80-room hotel equipped with a pool, restaurant, and gym. Investors are being offered a five-year debt security with a promised 10% annual return, requiring a minimum investment of $1,000. Additionally, a $1 million investment entitles the investor to a year-round free stay at the hotel.

The current fund raise of the hotel slated for El Salvador’s airport. Source: Bitfinex Securities

Gary Gensler Under Scrutiny for Clinton Ties Amid Trump Conviction

Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler has come under renewed scrutiny from crypto and tech executives following Donald Trump’s recent conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records. Gensler, who served as the chief financial officer for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, was involved in a related controversy when the campaign, along with the Democratic National Committee, settled a $133,000 fine in 2022 for allegedly misreporting spending on the Steele dossier.

The Steele dossier, containing unverified claims of Trump’s collusion with Russia, was published by Buzzfeed News in January 2017, post-election. During an April 2023 House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, Gensler testified that he was unaware of the payments related to the dossier during his tenure with Clinton’s campaign.

Source: Cointelegraph