The Justice Department has announced a significant operation targeting distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, with the seizure of 27 internet domains linked to leading DDoS-for-hire services. Two defendants have been charged in connection with these "booter" services, which are alleged to have facilitated cyberattacks against various victims globally.
These booter services allegedly attacked numerous targets, including educational institutions, government agencies, and gaming platforms. The attacks not only impacted specific victims but also degraded broader internet services. According to an affidavit filed for court-authorized warrants, claims that these sites offered legitimate network testing were found to be false.
"Booter services facilitate cyberattacks that harm victims and compromise everyone’s ability to access the internet," stated United States Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. He emphasized the importance of law enforcement efforts in eradicating such criminal activities.
United States Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska highlighted the global nature of this threat: "Because of the scope of the threat, we have partnered with law enforcement in the United States and abroad."
Assistant Director Akil Davis from the FBI Los Angeles Field Office noted that both launching a DDoS attack and hiring a service to do so are considered crimes by the FBI. He urged victims to report cybercrimes through local FBI offices or online at ic3.gov.
Special Agent Kenneth DeChellis from DCIS Cyber Field Office described DDoS attacks as potent weapons capable of disrupting critical systems and infrastructure. Rebecca Day from the FBI Anchorage Field Office affirmed their commitment to combating cybercrime alongside international partners.
The operation precedes a period known for increased DDoS activity during holidays. One defendant is charged in Los Angeles, identified as Ricardo Cesar Colli from Brazil, accused under conspiracy charges related to operating Securityhide.net. Another indictment remains sealed in Anchorage as authorities work internationally on arrests and extraditions.
An advertising campaign has been launched by Homeland Security Investigations along with UK and Netherlands police forces aimed at deterring potential criminals seeking DDoS services.
This action is part of Operation PowerOFF—a collaborative effort among international agencies focused on dismantling illegal DDoS infrastructures worldwide. Over recent years, similar operations have led to multiple indictments and domain seizures associated with such activities.
All defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court proceedings.