A multinational operation led by U.S. authorities has successfully dismantled a network responsible for infecting hundreds of thousands of computers with malware and carrying out cyberattacks worldwide. The operation, codenamed "Duck Hunt," involved law enforcement agencies from France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Romania, and Latvia. The network was behind the infamous Qakbot malware, which has been active since 2008 and has targeted victims through spam email messages containing malicious links or attachments. Once infected, the victims' computers would become part of the botnet, allowing cybercriminals to carry out ransomware attacks and financial fraud.

The operation resulted in the neutralization of the Qakbot infrastructure, cutting off the criminal supply chain. The FBI, in collaboration with its partners, also seized $8.6 million in stolen cryptocurrency, which will be returned to the victims. The disruption of the botnet is expected to prevent further cybercrimes and protect individuals and businesses from significant financial losses. The investigation into the network is ongoing, and the authorities have not announced any arrests yet. This multinational effort demonstrates the commitment of international law enforcement agencies in combatting cybercrime and safeguarding the digital landscape.