Three prominent ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) groups—LockBit, DragonForce, and Qilin—have formed a cartel aimed at coordinating their attacks and enhancing operational efficiency in response to intensified law enforcement actions against cybercrime. This alliance, reportedly motivated by the need to restore affiliate trust, has alarming implications, especially as LockBit has indicated a willingness to target critical infrastructure, including nuclear and hydroelectric facilities, previously deemed off-limits. Security researchers warn that this collaboration could widen the attack surface, risking sophisticated extortion campaigns on a global scale. Organizations are urged to bolster defenses by improving access controls and network segmentation to mitigate potential threats from this evolving ransomware landscape.