In a major win against cybercrime, a global team of law enforcement agencies has successfully shut down two of the internet’s biggest hacking forums. Cracked and Nulled, which together had over 10 million users, were described as one-stop shops for illegal activities, from selling stolen data to offering hacking tools and services.
The operation, led by German authorities and supported by agencies from countries like the U.S., Australia, and Spain, resulted in two arrests, the seizure of 17 servers, and the confiscation of €300,000 in cash and cryptocurrency. The effort, dubbed “Operation Talent,” also involved searching seven properties and identifying 12 individuals linked to the platforms.
Earlier this week, cybersecurity experts noticed something unusual: the forums’ domains were redirected to servers operated by the FBI. Soon after, a banner appeared on the sites announcing the law enforcement action. While the exact reasons for the takedown weren’t disclosed, experts say these platforms were hotbeds for illegal trade and discussions around cybercrime.
This isn’t the first time law enforcement has targeted major cybercrime hubs. Earlier this year, a similar operation called “Operation Endgame” led to arrests and the dismantling of hacking services. Cracked and Nulled join a growing list of forums that have been disrupted, including the notorious BreachForums, which was seized twice in the past two years.
The crackdown highlights the global effort to combat cybercrime, with agencies working together to track down and dismantle these digital black markets. While the fight is far from over, this latest operation sends a clear message to those involved in illegal online activities: the law is closing in.