FBI Intensifies Efforts Against Cybercrime: Major Hacking Forums and Marketplaces Seized
Washington, D.C. – The FBI has escalated its battle against cybercriminals, carrying out a significant operation aimed at dismantling several high-profile hacker forums and illegal marketplaces. As part of Operation Talent, the FBI has successfully seized 39 criminal hacker sites, including nulled.to, cracked.io, starkrdp.io, mysellix.io, and sellix.io. These sites were widely used by cybercriminals to distribute hacking tools, stolen data, and malware.
FBI’s Growing War on Cybercrime
The FBI’s proactive stance against cybercrime has intensified with this latest crackdown. Working in collaboration with Europol and other international law enforcement agencies, the FBI has already taken steps to protect U.S. citizens by remotely deleting malware files from the devices of over 4,000 individuals. This action is part of a broader strategy to eliminate the infrastructure that supports cybercriminal activities, which have become increasingly sophisticated.
A significant aspect of this operation was the FBI's takedown of the notorious Cracked.io marketplace. The platform had been operating since 2018, hosting stolen login credentials, hacking tools, malware servers, and other illicit tools for cybercrime. Cracked.io boasted over four million users, over 28 million posts promoting cybercrime, and generated an estimated $4 million in revenue. The marketplace was responsible for impacting at least 17 million victims in the United States alone.
Seizure of Servers and Domains
As a result of the takedown, the FBI seized 17 servers and eight domain names associated with Cracked.io. Visitors to these sites are now greeted by a banner stating, “This website has been seized by international law enforcement partners,” accompanied by an image often associated with hackers. The banner also provides the notice that "the website, along with the customer and victim information, has been seized."
In a Telegram conversation, administrators of Cracked.io acknowledged the seizure, though they declined to comment on the specific reasons behind the takedown. They are reportedly awaiting official court documentation and further details.
Arrests in Spain and Global Coordination
As part of Operation Talent, the FBI, in cooperation with Spanish authorities, arrested two suspects in Spain. The arrested individuals—whose identities have not been disclosed—are linked to the operation and the seizure of a substantial amount of assets, including over $300,000 in cash and cryptocurrency.
A Department of Justice statement provided further details on the operation, confirming that Cracked.io had been actively selling cybercrime tools and stolen data since its inception. In addition to Cracked.io, law enforcement took down another 39 cybercrime marketplaces, including a network based in Pakistan called HeartSender, which operated illegal websites and sold malicious services. These sites primarily targeted individuals and businesses for financial gain through identity theft, fraud, and hacking.
The Ongoing Fight Against Cybercrime
The FBI’s actions have significantly disrupted the infrastructure supporting cybercriminals worldwide, but it is clear that the battle is far from over. The FBI continues to focus on dismantling cybercrime rings by targeting both the criminals themselves and the marketplaces that serve as hubs for illegal activities. These takedowns are part of a broader effort to prevent hacking, ransomware attacks, and other forms of cybercrime that threaten the safety and security of millions of people globally.
The FBI’s declaration of war on cybercriminal hackers shows its commitment to pursuing justice and mitigating the impact of cybercrime on society. As investigations continue, more arrests and takedowns are expected. Law enforcement agencies across the world are working together to target these malicious actors, making it clear that cybercrime will not go unpunished.
What’s Next?
The operation, which remains ongoing, has already sent shockwaves through the cybercrime world. The FBI's success in seizing these high-traffic hacker marketplaces is a critical win in the global fight against cybercrime. However, experts warn that these actions will only be effective if they are part of a long-term strategy that targets the root causes of cybercrime, including the financial incentives and technological infrastructure that support it.
As the operation develops, more information is expected to be released, and law enforcement agencies worldwide will continue to follow the trail of criminals who rely on these illegal platforms to operate in the shadows of the internet. The FBI has made it clear that it will stop at nothing to disrupt the activities of these criminal networks, sending a strong message to those who think they can operate beyond the law.
