Global Operation Saffron Disrupts Major Ransomware VPN Network
International Operation Disrupts Critical Infrastructure Used by 25 Ransomware Groups
An international operation codenamed “Operation Saffron” has resulted in the dismantling of a critical virtual private network (VPN) service used by at least 25 ransomware groups.
- The operation, led by law enforcement agencies from France and the Netherlands, involved the seizure of 33 servers and domains across 27 countries, exposing thousands of users to potential identification and prosecution.
Details of the VPN Service
The VPN service, known as “First VPN,” had been operational since approximately 2014 and was marketed as a secure and anonymous means of accessing the internet.
- However, authorities claim that the platform was actually designed to facilitate ransomware deployment, data theft, and reconnaissance activities, and was promoted on underground Russian-speaking cybercrime forums.
According to officials, the VPN service employed multiple protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and other advanced tunneling systems, as well as cryptocurrency-based payment options.
- Investigators stated that the platform allowed users to conceal their identities while carrying out ransomware operations and large-scale fraud campaigns, and that at least 25 ransomware groups were using the service.
Takedown Details
As part of the takedown, authorities confiscated domains associated with the service, including 1vpns.com, 1vpns.net, and 1vpns.org, along with hidden onion services operating on the Tor network.
“Users of the service have been notified that their identities may now be exposed following the seizure of infrastructure and supporting logs.”
Cybersecurity Implications
Cybersecurity experts say that the disruption represents a significant setback for cybercriminal ecosystems that rely heavily on anonymization tools.
However, similar services are likely to emerge again due to persistent demand from ransomware operators.”
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, stated that the VPN service enabled attackers to carry out reconnaissance, infiltration, and data exfiltration while masking their locations.
Subscription plans ranged from daily access to annual packages, with payments accepted in Bitcoin and other digital currencies.”
The investigation also revealed that the VPN provider claimed “no logs” policies and promoted itself as completely anonymous and beyond jurisdictional reach.
However, authorities say the operation proved that such claims can be misleading when cross-border investigations and coordinated enforcement actions are executed effectively.”
Security researchers warn that anonymization services like these are often a critical backbone of ransomware operations, enabling threat actors to scale attacks globally without immediate detection.
The dismantling of First VPN is therefore seen as a strategic disruption rather than a complete solution to cybercrime.”
Experts believe the takedown will temporarily reduce the anonymity available to ransomware groups, increasing their exposure and making it easier to track malicious activity.
However, they also stress the need for continuous monitoring and proactive defense strategies to counter evolving cyber threats.”