The U.S. Department of the Treasury has intensified its fight against cybercrime, this time targeting the infrastructure itself — specifically Russian hosting provider Aeza Group, which is accused of offering safe haven services to ransomware operators and other criminal actors. Along with the company, cryptocurrency addresses linked to illegal activities have also been sanctioned.
Bulletproof Hosting Services Under Scrutiny
On July 1st, the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Aeza Group LLC, a Russian hosting provider known for its "bulletproof" services. These allegedly enabled cybercriminals to carry out large-scale ransomware attacks, data theft, and other malicious operations with high operational security.
⚙️ The sanctions also extend to Aeza International Ltd. in the United Kingdom and other affiliated entities, reflecting the international scope of the firm’s operations.
This action is part of a broader strategic shift: OFAC is targeting the infrastructure behind cybercrime, not just individual hackers. The move follows similar sanctions imposed on ZServers in February.
TRON Wallet Identified, Over $350K in Crypto Tracked
OFAC also named a specific TRON blockchain address tied to Aeza Group’s payment infrastructure. The wallet:
🔹 received funds via intermediaries
🔹 routed money to exchanges
🔹 also collected direct payments for hosting services
According to Chainalysis, over $350,000 in crypto has flowed through the address, with connections to darknet sellers of malware like infostealers — tools that hijack devices and steal user credentials.
Attacking the Supply Chain, Not Just the Hackers
This move signals a strategic evolution: rather than chasing cybercriminals after attacks occur, authorities are now undermining the support networks that keep them operational.
Aeza’s services were resilient to takedowns and law enforcement action, making them ideal for criminals who need persistent, anonymous infrastructure.
🎯 The objective is to disrupt the digital backbone enabling ransomware operations, data breaches, and other cyber threats — and make it harder for criminal networks to stay online.
What's Next in the Fight Against Cybercrime
The U.S. government has made it clear it will go after not only threat actors but also the ecosystem that empowers them. The sanctions on Aeza Group are another major step in a larger campaign to dismantle cybercriminal infrastructure at its root.
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