A significant international law enforcement operation, known as Operation Talent, has successfully disrupted two major online cybercrime marketplaces, dealing a serious blow to those involved in digital illicit activities. The operation involved the collaboration of law enforcement agencies from multiple countries, such as the United States, Romania, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Greece, targeting the notorious platforms Cracked and Nulled, which were central hubs for trading stolen credentials, hacking tools, and other cybercrime activities.
The Justice Department recently released a statement confirming the seizure of 12 domains associated with Cracked and Nulled, along with €300,000 in cash and cryptocurrencies, as well as multiple servers. The FBI played a central role in the investigation, working closely with international partners to identify the servers hosting the illicit marketplaces and the individuals operating them. In the case of Nulled, charges were filed against an administrator named Lucas Sohn for his alleged involvement in the platform’s operations.
Operation Talent was executed between January 28th and 30th, resulting in the arrest of two individuals in Spain, the search of seven properties, and the seizure of seventeen servers, over fifty electronic devices, and approximately 300,000 euros in cash and cryptocurrencies. The shutdown of Cracked and Nulled effectively dismantled the platforms, along with related services like Sellix, a financial processing service, and StarkRDP, a hosting service that were associated with the illicit activities.
Both Cracked and Nulled had millions of users and a vast number of posts advertising cybercrime tools and stolen information. These platforms operated on a “cybercrime-as-a-service” model, allowing users to easily access stolen data, malicious software, hacking tools, and other resources needed to carry out cyberattacks. The revenue generated through these platforms was estimated to be at least one million euros, with Cracked alone reportedly making around $4 million and impacting 17 million victims in the United States.
The crackdown on Cracked and Nulled marks a significant milestone in the fight against cybercriminals. Operation Talent’s success underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating cybercrime and sending a strong message that those engaging in illicit activities online will be held accountable, regardless of their location. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies from various countries demonstrate a united front against cybercrime and a commitment to safeguarding the digital landscape from malicious actors.
Overall, the seizure of these domains and the dismantling of Cracked and Nulled are significant steps towards making the internet a safer place for users and preventing cybercriminals from exploiting vulnerable individuals for their own gain. The global law enforcement community’s swift and coordinated response to these cybercrime networks sets a precedent for future operations aimed at disrupting illicit activities online and protecting individuals from falling victim to malicious actors on the internet.