Google initiated legal action against the Chinese-speaking cybercriminal organization 'Darcula' for orchestrating a massive phishing campaign. The lawsuit was filed around December 18, 2025.
The lawsuit alleges the group developed and utilized software to send fraudulent text messages. Darcula impersonated reputable brands, specifically Google's YouTube Premium service, to steal financial information.
The 'Darcula' operation is accused of stealing nearly 900,000 credit card numbers, affecting tens of thousands of Americans. Google's lawsuit specifically aims to dismantle the group's infrastructure by seizing the websites used in the scams.
This proactive measure supports Google's broader efforts to combat the fraudulent use of its brand and protect its user base from cybercrime. Alphabet's stock price showed no significant market reaction to the news.