International operation shuts down online hacking forum


July 15, 2015

One of the world’s most prominent online forums dedicated to products and services used to commit cyber crime has been dismantled following an international law enforcement operation.

Darkode.com, a site only open to those deemed to have the right levels of cyber and criminal expertise, was yesterday (Tuesday 14th) taken offline by the FBI. At the same time, 28 arrests were made around the world, bringing the total number of people arrested for suspected offences linked to Darkode to 70, across 20 countries.

In the UK, a 26-year-old man from Coventry was arrested by the West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit. He was questioned and subsequently bailed pending further inquiries. Additionally, officers from Police Scotland searched an address in Paisley and removed material for examination.

Five other people believed to have been members of Darkode have previously been arrested by officers from the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit, which has led and coordinated the UK element of the operation.

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