Europol and U.S. Department of Justice Dismantle SocksEscort Proxy Network

Authorities say the operation froze $3.5 million in crypto after the network allegedly compromised more than 369,000 routers and internet-connected devices across 163 countries and enabled bank and crypto account takeovers.

Summary

Europol and the U.S. Department of Justice said they dismantled the SocksEscort proxy network and froze $3.5 million in crypto assets. According to authorities, the service abused more than 369,000 routers and IoT devices across 163 countries, offered large-scale proxy infrastructure, and enabled fraud including bank and crypto account takeovers. Officials also seized 34 domains and 23 servers in seven countries as part of the operation.

Terms & Concepts
  • Proxy network: A system of intermediary internet servers that routes traffic through other devices to mask a user’s original connection.
  • Crypto: Digital assets recorded on blockchain networks, often transferable without traditional banking intermediaries.
  • IoT devices: Internet of Things devices are internet-connected hardware such as cameras, routers, and smart appliances.