Crackdown on Cyber Underworld: US Authorities Seize Crypto and Domains in Dark Web Marketplace Takedown

Feds Seize 145 Domains Linked to Dark Web Marketplace BidenCash

In a major crackdown on cybercrime, the U.S. government has seized 145 domains and undisclosed amounts of cryptocurrency tied to BidenCash, a dark web marketplace accused of facilitating the sale of millions of stolen credit cards and personal data.

BidenCash, which began operations in March 2022, offered a centralized platform for buying and selling stolen financial information, including credit card details, login credentials, and server access. Prosecutors claim the marketplace served over 117,000 customers and generated more than $17 million in revenue during its two-year run, enabling over 15 million card transactions.

The seized domains have been redirected to law enforcement-controlled servers, effectively shutting down the platform's illicit activities. Additionally, the U.S. government has secured legal authorization to seize any cryptocurrency funds tied to the marketplace.

BidenCash administrators reportedly charged transaction fees while enabling users to purchase stolen financial and personal data, including access to compromised servers. To attract new customers and build trust within the cybercriminal community, the platform periodically released massive datasets of stolen credit card records free of charge.

The takedown of BidenCash adds to a growing list of dark web enforcement actions targeting crypto-enabled criminal networks. Just last month, Operation RapTor resulted in the arrests of 270 individuals across 10 countries, the seizure of $200 million in assets, including hundreds of millions in cryptocurrency, and the dismantling of multiple dark web drug trafficking platforms.

Alleged Binance Data Breach Claim Dismissed as Hoax

In a separate incident, a post on a dark web forum claimed to have leaked the personal data of 12.8 million Binance users, including sensitive information such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, birthdays, and physical addresses. However, Binance has dismissed the claim as a hoax, stating that the alleged breach is not legitimate.

The post, attributed to a user named "FireBear," appeared on a breach-related forum on Monday, alleging that the leaked data was obtained in August. Binance has firmly refuted the claim, assuring its users that their personal information remains secure.

Crypto Money Launderer Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison

• John Khuu, a 29-year-old from San Francisco, California, has been sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for his role in using Bitcoin to launder the proceeds of an operation selling MDMA on the dark web.
• Khuu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money-transmitting business.
• According to Texas police, Khuu's operation would import MDMA from Germany and sell it on various dark web markets, accepting payment in Bitcoin.