A new investigation by Infoblox and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has exposed the Universe Browser as a deceptive security risk. Despite online ads touting it as the fastest browser that eliminates privacy leaks, the software reroutes all Internet traffic through servers in China and silently installs a suite of malicious components. These hidden elements include keylogging, covert network connections, and the ability to alter a device’s network settings. Infoblox’s team traced the browser’s operations back to the Southeast Asian cybercrime ecosystem, identifying it as a key component of the "Vault Viper" threat group that supports illegal gambling, money laundering, human trafficking, and forced‑labor scams. The findings highlight the growing sophistication of Chinese‑led crime syndicates and underscore the importance of scrutinizing seemingly innocuous software before installation.