FBI Seizes RAMP Cybercrime Forum, Disrupting Ransomware Operations
In January 2026, the FBI, in coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, seized the RAMP cybercrime forum. Established in July 2021, RAMP was a Russian-language platform that openly permitted ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) operations, serving as a hub for ransomware groups like LockBit, ALPHV/BlackCat, and RansomHub. The forum facilitated the promotion of RaaS activities, recruitment of affiliates, and trading of initial network access. The seizure disrupted a significant coordination point for ransomware operators, potentially leading to a short-term decline in ransomware attacks. However, the long-term impact remains uncertain as cybercriminals may migrate to alternative platforms or establish new forums. Law enforcement's access to RAMP's user data could lead to further investigations and arrests, underscoring the ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime.
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