In a major international operation, law enforcement agencies have shut down two of the world’s largest cybercrime forums—Cracked and Nulled—effectively crippling a massive underground economy that trafficked in stolen data, hacking tools, and malware. Authorities confirmed the takedown on Thursday, January 30, 2025, marking another significant blow to organized cybercriminal networks.
A Hub for Cybercrime: 10 Million Users and Millions in Profits
Cracked and Nulled, which had been in operation since 2015 and 2018, respectively, served as platforms for cybercriminals to trade illicit goods and services, including:
- Stolen credentials and financial data
- Malware and ransomware tools
- Automated scripts to exploit system vulnerabilities
Europol confirmed that both forums were closely linked—not just administratively, but also technically—suggesting a well-coordinated operation between their operators.
Cracked alone generated approximately $4 million in revenue, while Nulled hosted over 43 million posts advertising cybercrime tools and earned $1 million annually. These forums impacted at least 17 million victims in the United States alone, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
International Law Enforcement Takes Action
The takedown of these platforms was a coordinated effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including:
- The FBI (United States)
- Europol
- Spanish National Police
- German Federal Police
Notices posted on the seized domains displayed the logos of these agencies, confirming their involvement. Additional associated services were also dismantled, including:
- Sellix, a financial processor that facilitated transactions for Cracked
- StarkRDP, a hosting service promoted across both forums and run by the same suspects
Arrests and Seizures
During the crackdown, police arrested two suspects—a man and a woman—in Valencia, Spain. One of the individuals, Lucas Sohn, 29, an Argentinian national residing in Spain, has been charged with trafficking stolen passwords, unauthorized access to computer systems, and identity theft with criminal intent.
The raid also led to the confiscation of over $300,000 in cash, dozens of electronic devices, and significant cryptocurrency assets linked to the cybercriminal network.
The Fall of a Cybercrime Empire
Authorities have been investigating these platforms since March 2024, identifying eight key operators, including two German nationals aged 29 and 32. While the takedown of Cracked and Nulled marks a major victory, law enforcement continues to monitor and investigate related cybercrime networks.
Following the operation, Cracked’s administrators posted a message on Telegram, confirming their defeat:
“A sad day indeed for our community.”
Ongoing Crackdown on Cybercrime
The global effort to dismantle cybercriminal operations has intensified, with recent law enforcement actions including:
- The takedown of PopeyeTools, an underground hacking marketplace
- Seizure of a major DDoS-for-hire platform
- Disruption of MATRIX, an encrypted chat service used by criminals
- The May 2024 FBI-led operation against BreachForums, another notorious cybercrime marketplace
This latest takedown reinforces the global stance against cybercrime, demonstrating that law enforcement agencies are working together to dismantle illicit digital operations and bring cybercriminals to justice.
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