US Authorities Seize 145 Domains and Crypto Linked to BidenCash Dark Web Market

US authorities have successfully dismantled BidenCash, a prominent dark web marketplace, seizing 145 domains and associated cryptocurrency. This international operation, led by the US Secret Service and FBI, targeted a platform responsible for trafficking over 15 million stolen credit cards and personal data, generating more than $17 million in illicit revenue.

FBI

BidenCash: A Lucrative Criminal Enterprise

BidenCash, launched in March 2022, quickly became a significant player in the dark web's illicit economy. The marketplace facilitated the sale of stolen credit card numbers, personally identifiable information (PII), and access credentials to compromised computers. Its administrators charged a fee for every transaction, making it a highly profitable venture.

• Operational Span: March 2022 onwards

• User Base: Over 117,000 customers

• Stolen Data: More than 15 million compromised credit card numbers and PII

• Revenue Generated: Over $17 million

To attract new users and promote its services, BidenCash operators periodically released large datasets of stolen information for free. Between October 2022 and February 2023, they publicly released 3.3 million stolen credit cards, including full card numbers, expiration dates, CVV codes, cardholder names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers.

The International Takedown

The operation to dismantle BidenCash was a collaborative effort involving several law enforcement agencies and security organizations:

• United States Secret Service (USSS)

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

• Dutch National Police (Politie)

• The Shadowserver Foundation (nonprofit security organization)

• Searchlight Cyber (real-time attack surface visibility company)

As a result of this coordinated action, the seized BidenCash domains now redirect to a server controlled by US law enforcement, effectively preventing further access and disrupting the marketplace's operations. The court also authorized the seizure of cryptocurrency assets linked to BidenCash's illegal profits.

Broader Crackdown on Cybercrime

This takedown is part of a larger, ongoing effort by US authorities to combat crypto-fueled dark web crime. Recent related operations include:

• Operation RapTor: Europol, in collaboration with 10 countries, targeted dark web fentanyl sales, leading to 270 arrests and the seizure of $200 million in assets, including significant cryptocurrency sums.

• Qakbot Malware: The Department of Justice seized over $24 million in cryptocurrency from a Russian national accused of developing and operating the Qakbot malware.

• Nemesis Marketplace: The US government froze 44 Bitcoin and five Monero accounts, totaling over $850,000, linked to the now-closed Nemesis dark web marketplace, which dealt in illegal goods like drugs and fake IDs.

These actions send a clear message to cybercriminals that law enforcement agencies are increasingly sophisticated in their ability to track and disrupt illicit activities on the dark web, particularly those involving cryptocurrencies.

Sources

• US Seizes 145 Darknet Domains, Crypto Linked to BidenCash, Cryptonews.

• US Seizes Crypto and 145 Domains Linked to Dark Web Marketplace, Crypto Adventure.

• US Seizes 145 Domains and Crypto in Crackdown on BidenCash, The Crypto Times.

• BidenCash carding market domains seized in international operation, BleepingComputer.

• U.S. Seizes 145 Domains and Crypto Assets Linked to BidenCash Darknet Marketplace, Coindoo.

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