Authorities involved in the Poweroff International Operation have successfully shut down 27 platforms that offer DDOS attacks for hire. Three administrators in France and Germany have been arrested, while data on 300 users of these services has been identified.
Platforms such as ZDStresser.net, Orbitalstress.net, and Starkstresser.net have been taken offline, with notifications of their assets being confiscated. In the Netherlands, four individuals between the ages of 22 and 26 have been detained, with one of them suspected of organizing thousands of attacks.
Dutch authorities have identified around 200 users of these services within the country, with various warnings and potential legal actions being considered based on the severity of their actions. Face-to-face meetings with users are also being conducted.
The US Department of Justice has charged two individuals in connection to DDOS services, including 22-year-old Brazilian Ricardo Cezar Collie, who administered Securityhide.net and securityhide.com. Another individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, was involved in managing significant DDOS services.
Law enforcement officials highlight that the holiday season is typically a peak period for such attacks, causing significant harm in the form of financial losses, reputation damage, and disruptions to organizational operations. Motives for these attacks range from economic sabotage to ideological reasons.
Previously, in October 2024, the Poweroff operation led to the takedown of DSTAT.CC, one of the largest DDOS platforms, and the arrest of two suspects. In July, the UK announced the dismantling of DigitalStress, another similar service.