Global Police Seize Domains of Major Hacking Forums

International law enforcement has seized domains of popular cybercrime sites, dismantling hacking forums in a sweeping crackdown codenamed Operation Talent.

1. Massive Domain Takedown: Operation Talent in Action

Authorities from Australia, France, Greece, Italy, Romania, Spain, and the U.S., working alongside Europol, have taken over domains linked to several notorious hacking forums. This effort, called Operation Talent, targets online platforms like Cracked, Nulled, Sellix, and StarkRDP, which experts say served as underground marketplaces for stolen data, hacking tools, and other illegal products.

A Global Sweep

• Seizure banners now greet visitors to these domains, displaying a warning that the sites and their data have been confiscated.
• Investigators reveal that these forums catered to millions of users and generated substantial revenue, primarily from malicious software and compromised credentials.

2. Confiscation Targets: Cracked, Nulled, Sellix, StarkRDP

Although the seized domains varied in content and user focus, each allegedly profited from illicit cyber activities:

1. Cracked and Nulled
   • Operational since mid-2010s, each boasted millions of users.
   • Featured tools like ScrubCrypt (a malware obfuscation engine) for distributing stealers.
   • Europol says they sold stolen data and hacking solutions, causing significant global impact.
2. Sellix
   • Functioned as a payment processor within the hacking ecosystem, facilitating transactions for compromised data.
   • The platform was intimately tied to Cracked, hinting at a tightly woven cybercrime network.
3. StarkRDP
   • Offered hosting services and remote desktop protocol (RDP) resources for hacking activities.
   • Operated within the same network of sites, reinforcing the cross-promotion among criminal services.

3. Dismantling Cybercrime Tools and Networks

The shut down of these major hacking forums disrupts established criminal channels and underscores law enforcement’s intent to cripple malicious operators:

• Seized Assets: Over 50 electronic devices and 17 servers were taken, while authorities also uncovered €300,000 in cash and cryptocurrency.
• International Collaboration: Both European agencies and the U.S. Department of Justice contributed to the investigation, aiming to identify and arrest core site administrators.
• Impact: Europol estimates at least 10 million collective users across the now-seized platforms, with Nulled alone generating about $1 million per year.

Consequently, with these takedowns, criminals have lost a key marketplace for peddling exploit kits, stolen accounts, and hacking tutorials.

4. Arrests, Raids, and Confiscations

4.1 Suspects in Custody

Two individuals, identified by Spain’s National Police, face charges related to the seizure of Cracked and Nulled. They allegedly orchestrated the forums’ operations, dealing in massive volumes of stolen data. Searches in various locations have revealed evidence tying them to the seized sites.

Transition Words: Moreover, additional defendants aged between 21 and 32 were identified in Germany and Spain, suggesting a widespread organizational structure.

4.2 U.S. Justice Department Unseals Charges

• A 29-year-old Argentinian national in Spain, named as a Nulled administrator, stands accused of facilitating cybercrime transactions.
• If convicted, potential sentences include up to 15 years in prison for identity fraud charges and additional penalties for access device fraud.

5. Inside the Underground Forums

These hacking forums acted as one-stop shops for criminals seeking to launch or expand cyberattacks. They offered:

• AI-Based Tools: Scripts to automatically scan sites for vulnerabilities
• Malware Trading: Obfuscators, infostealers, and exploit kits
• Stolen Credentials: Login data, payment information, and personal identifiers
• Phishing Tactics: Advanced social engineering and personalized attack patterns

Ultimately, the closure of these sites disrupts thousands of pending deals, forcing criminals to seek alternatives or rebuild new platforms.

6. Continuing the Fight Against Cybercrime

6.1 Ramped-Up Enforcement

Takedowns like Operation Talent reflect law enforcement’s dedication to infiltrating and eliminating malicious online marketplaces. Collaborative raids, domain seizures, and suspect arrests have become more frequent:

1. High-Level Crime Rings: International coalitions focus on major operators with ties to state-backed groups.
2. Tech Industry Support: Hosting providers and payment processors often cooperate to identify illicit transactions.

6.2 User Vigilance Still Crucial

Though large-scale busts create headlines, smaller forums inevitably emerge. Individuals must remain vigilant:

• Protect Credentials: Use strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication.
• Monitor Financial Records: Watch for unauthorized activity or data leaks.
• Report Suspicious Sites: If you suspect a platform selling stolen data, inform relevant authorities.

Conclusion

By seizing the domains of Cracked, Nulled, Sellix, and StarkRDP, law enforcement groups have disrupted a significant cybercrime hub. This crackdown not only cripples malicious trade but also sends a strong message to others seeking quick profit from hacking tools and stolen data.

Nevertheless, criminals are resilient. They may migrate to different forums or create new marketplaces under fresh domain names. Maintaining international cooperation, tightening security measures, and educating users about potential threats remain the best strategies for long-term cybercrime reduction.

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