Europol Takes Lead in Dismantling Ransomware Operation
A major crackdown on hackers and malware creators was spearheaded by Europol, the top law enforcement agency in the European Union. On May 30, Europol announced the success of its operation, codenamed “Operation Endgame,” which resulted in the arrest of four individuals and the takedown of over 100 servers associated with a group of cybercriminals. Described as the “largest ever operation against botnets,” the sting targeted a network of linked computers used to deploy malicious software, including ransomware.
The botnets that have now been taken offline include IcedID, SystemBC, Pikabot, Smokeloader, Bumblebee, and Trickbot, according to Europol. These programs, known as “droppers,” infiltrate systems through methods such as phishing links sent via email, allowing attackers to implant malicious code and carry out their illicit activities.
In this particular case, the cybercrime ring hacked into the networks of well-known companies and sold access to these compromised networks to other hackers, as reported by the Security Service of Ukraine. A collaborative effort involving law enforcement agencies from Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States contributed to the success of the operation.
Ted Cruz Ventures into Bitcoin Mining
Senator Ted Cruz from Texas recently announced his venture into Bitcoin mining by purchasing three Bitcoin miners, which are currently operational at a facility in Iraan, Texas. Sharing images of his acquisition in a post on May 31, Cruz expressed his pride in joining the community of Texas Bitcoin miners.
The photos reveal three Bitmain Antminer S21 195T mining rigs arranged on a rack at what appears to be a hosted mining facility. While the Senator did not disclose the cost of the units, these mining rigs typically retail for between $3,500 and $4,500 each and generate approximately $10 worth of BTC per day, excluding operational expenses.
Cruz has been a vocal advocate for Bitcoin within Congress and has consistently advocated for Texas to become a hub for crypto mining activities. Earlier in 2023, he introduced a resolution to mandate vending machine and food service contractors within the U.S. Capitol to accept cryptocurrency payments, although the resolution has not progressed further.
Challenges Faced by El Salvador Airport Hotel’s Tokenized Fundraising Campaign
A hotel developer aiming to construct a Hampton by Hilton near the El Salvador International Airport is struggling to raise the targeted $6.25 million through a tokenization offering of debt securities. Inversiones Laguardia S.A. de C.V. (HILSV), the developer behind the project, has faced difficulties in reaching its fundraising goal during the 30-day period, having only raised $342,000 thus far.
Bitfinex Securities El Salvador is facilitating the fundraising campaign for HILSV, which intends to utilize the funds to build an 80-room hotel featuring amenities such as 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. However, investors looking to secure a complimentary year-round stay at the hotel would need to invest $1 million.
Gensler Faces Criticism for Past Ties to Clinton
Gary Gensler, the chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, has come under fire from certain crypto and tech executives following Donald Trump’s recent legal troubles. Gensler’s association with a scandal during his tenure as the chief financial officer of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign has resurfaced, wherein the campaign paid a fine in 2022 alongside the Democratic National Committee to settle allegations of misreporting research expenditures related to the Steele dossier.
The Steele dossier, an opposition research document containing unverified claims of Trump’s collusion with Russia during his presidential campaign, was published by Buzzfeed News in January 2017. Gensler, in a testimony before a House Appropriations Subcommittee in April 2023, claimed to have been unaware of the payments made for the dossier.
In Other News
Google has resumed its efforts in developing metaverse goggles despite previous layoffs in its augmented reality department. Ethereum layer-2 developers, Matter Labs, have abandoned their attempt to trademark the term “ZK” following backlash. Additionally, a documentary about the FTX collapse priced at $2,500 is set to be released on Amazon Prime, with assistance from the filmmaker’s mother.