International law enforcement operation seizes LeakBase cybercrime forum and targets key users
The Facts
- Europol coordinated an international operation that dismantled the LeakBase online forum used for cybercrime activity involving stolen/compromised data.
- Coordinated law enforcement actions against LeakBase took place on March 3 and March 4.
- Authorities carried out around 100 enforcement actions/operations as part of the crackdown.
- Police targeted 37 of LeakBase’s most active users during the operation.
- Authorities seized LeakBase’s domain and displayed a law enforcement notice on the site.
- Authorities said LeakBase had been operating since 2021 and had more than 142,000 registered users at the time cited by officials.
Context
What was LeakBase used for?
Authorities and reporting describing the forum said LeakBase functioned as a marketplace/forum where users traded stolen or compromised data (including credentials) and related cybercrime tools/material. TechCrunch,Infosecurity Magazi…,Computing
What actions did authorities take during the operation?
According to Europol-linked reporting and other accounts, the operation included coordinated actions such as arrests and house searches, about 100 enforcement actions overall, and the seizure of the forum’s domain with a law enforcement notice displayed on the site. Star ,Infosecurity Magazi…,Computing
How was Malaysia connected to the operation?
A report citing a Europol release said the operation involved authorities from 14 countries including Malaysia, and listed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) among the partners involved. Star
The receipts — 28 sources
Wire services (3)
Independent coverage (25)
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