Operation Talent eradicates multiple dark web hacking forums

In collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, the FBI has successfully seized some of the most notorious dark web hacker forums and illicit marketplaces. This multinational law enforcement operation, known as “Operation Talent,” resulted in the confiscation of platforms such as Cracked[.]io, Nulled[.]to, Sellix[.]io, Mysellix[.]io, and Starkrdp[.]. This recent crackdown on these dark web domains will significantly disturb the underground cybercrime ecosystem.

Users who recently tried to access these sites late last night were met by a screen that displayed a seizure notice from the FBI, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and other international law enforcement organisations.

 

The successful Operation Talent campaign compromised various data stored in the forums.

 

According to one of our iZOOlogic researchers, the seizure of these dark web hacking forums is the result of Operation Talent members’ constant surveillance and intelligence gathering. Additionally, the operation not only shut down these platforms but also gained access to their servers, potentially exposing millions of registered individuals engaged in illicit activity.

Our researcher noted that some data types that are compromised during the confiscation include user registration information, email addresses, IP logs, transaction records, private messages, and financial histories.

These details will likely help law enforcement identify high-profile cybercriminals, buyers, and dealers within these unlawful networks. Investigators had been closely watching these forums for dark web tracking, data leaks, and cyber threat intelligence, eventually leading to their removal.

Unlike corporate data breaches, which frequently result in exposed user information being sold or exploited by threat actors, this law enforcement operation focuses mainly on cyber criminals. The forums in question were well-known for facilitating the exchange of stolen data, hacking tools, and illegal digital services, making them a top priority for investigators.

As of now, only one of the platforms has provided a public statement about the shutdown. An alleged Cracked[.]io staff confirmed on a Telegram channel that the authorities had seized their domain.

With law enforcement now in control of key user data, the crackdown is unlikely to finish here. As officials continue investigating the collected information, additional arrests and legal actions may be made in the following weeks or months.