Ethical Hacking News
Europol's "Project Compass" operation has resulted in 30 arrests and the identification of 179 suspects associated with the notorious cybercrime collective known as The Com. This group has been linked to high-profile ransomware attacks and child exploitation cases, and its activities have been disrupted thanks to a coordinated international effort.
Europol's "Project Compass" operation resulted in 30 arrests and the identification of 179 suspects associated with The Com, a notorious cybercrime collective. The Com is a decentralized nihilistic extremist network linked to high-profile ransomware attacks and child exploitation cases. The group targets vulnerable individuals, particularly children and teenagers, using social media platforms, online gaming environments, and other digital spaces. The operation brought together law enforcement agencies from 28 countries to combat The Com, involving extensive intelligence gathering, surveillance, and raids. Four victims were directly safeguarded by the operation, highlighting the importance of coordinated international efforts in protecting vulnerable individuals.
In a significant development in the ongoing fight against cybercrime, Europol has announced the successful conclusion of its "Project Compass" operation, which targeted the notorious cybercrime collective known as The Com. This operation, led by Europol's European Counter Terrorism Centre, has resulted in 30 arrests and the identification of 179 suspects associated with the group.
The Com is a decentralized nihilistic extremist network that has been linked to various high-profile ransomware attacks and child exploitation cases. The group is known for its use of social media platforms, online gaming environments, messaging apps, and music streaming services to target vulnerable individuals, particularly children and teenagers. Once targeted, victims are often coerced into producing explicit content or forced to engage in self-harm and suicide.
The operation, launched in January 2025, brought together law enforcement agencies from 28 countries to combat The Com. Europol's European Counter Terrorism Centre played a key role in coordinating the joint action, which involved extensive intelligence gathering, surveillance, and raids on suspected locations.
One of the most notable aspects of The Com is its organizational structure, which includes multiple subgroups focused on different forms of cybercrime. These include Offline Com, which promotes acts of terrorism and property damage; Cyber Com, which orchestrates network intrusions and ransomware attacks; and (S)extortion Com, which coerces minors into sex crimes.
The group's use of social media platforms to recruit new members and spread its ideology has been a significant concern for law enforcement agencies. The Com has also been linked to high-profile breaches, including those against Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods in April 2025, as well as Las Vegas casino breaches in September 2023.
According to Anna Sjöberg, the head of Europol's European Counter Terrorism Centre, "These networks deliberately target children in the digital spaces where they feel most at ease. Project Compass allows us to intervene earlier, safeguard victims and disrupt those who exploit vulnerability for extremist purposes. No country can address this threat alone - and through this cooperation, we are closing the gaps they try to hide in."
The operation's success marks a significant milestone in the global fight against cybercrime. By bringing together law enforcement agencies from across the globe, Europol has demonstrated its commitment to addressing the complex and transnational nature of online threats.
In addition to the arrests and identification of suspects, the operation also resulted in the direct safeguarding of four victims who were targeted by The Com. This highlights the importance of coordinated international efforts in protecting vulnerable individuals and preventing the spread of cybercrime.
As the threat landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that operations like Project Compass will play a critical role in disrupting the activities of groups like The Com. By combining intelligence gathering, surveillance, and law enforcement action, Europol has helped to shut down a significant online presence and disrupt the networks that exploit vulnerable individuals.
In conclusion, the success of Operation Compass highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing the global threat of cybercrime. As law enforcement agencies continue to adapt to the evolving nature of online threats, it is essential that they remain vigilant and proactive in disrupting the activities of groups like The Com.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/A-Global-Crackdown-on-Cybercrime-Europols-Operation-Compass-Brings-30-Arrests-Against-The-Com-Hackers-ehn.shtml
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/police-crackdown-on-the-com-cybercrime-gang-leads-to-30-arrests/
https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/800-criminals-arrested-in-biggest-ever-law-enforcement-operation-against-encrypted-communication
https://www.reuters.com/technology/greece-arrests-man-europols-global-endgame-operation-against-cybercrime-2025-11-14/
Published: Fri Feb 27 14:55:48 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
