FBI shuts down BreachForums ransomware website and Telegram channel
The FBI and international law enforcement agencies have recently successfully taken down the notorious ransomware service website BreachForums and its related Telegram channels.
Table of Contents
Stealing Data from Europol Database Leads to Law Enforcement Seizure
Last week, BreachForums released documents allegedly stolen from the Europol database, triggering a swift response from law enforcement agencies. Special actions were taken last Wednesday, just days after the documents were made public, leading to the seizure of the website.
BreachForums Under Police Scrutiny Again
BreachForums has long been a target of law enforcement agencies. Last year, U.S. authorities arrested the site's owner, Conor Brian Fitzpatrick, known as "Pompompurin." Despite Fitzpatrick being released on bail paid by his parents, the site continued to operate. Despite several attempts to shut down the site, BreachForums has been able to come back online repeatedly.
FBI Takes Over Seizure Operation
In the latest operation, law enforcement once again took down the website and its Telegram channels, at least temporarily. Visitors to the site now see a notice indicating that the site has been seized by the FBI.
Results of International Cooperation in Law Enforcement
The FBI received support from law enforcement agencies in Ukraine, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, and the UK. "The site has been seized by the FBI and the Department of Justice with the assistance of international partners," the announcement stated. It also encouraged individuals with information about cybercrime activities on BreachForums to report through various channels, including dedicated Telegram channels, email addresses, and websites.
Unrelenting Hub of Cybercrime
Despite intermittent shutdowns, BreachForums remains a significant hub for cybercriminal activities. The site serves as a marketplace for cybercriminals to trade stolen data from various cyber attacks.
Just last month, threat actors claimed to have breached the U.S.-based nutritional supplement maker Piping Rock, stealing over 2.1 million email addresses and detailed information of nearly a million customers. In another incident, personal information of about 10,000 Home Depot employees was leaked on BreachForums.
The creativity continues! Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare considers blocking Telegram to combat illegal image trading.
Related
- Indonesian Cryptocurrency Market Surges: 60% are Young Adults Aged 18-30, with Trading Volume Reaching $27.1 Billion This Year
- FTX and Bybit reach a $228 million settlement agreement, pending court approval on 11/20.
- Legislator Kuo Ju-chun questioned the Financial Supervisory Commission, which confirmed that the registration system for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) in Taiwan will be implemented earlier on December 1st this year.