BreachForums Hackers Arrested: US and French Authorities Confirm

Cybercrime Crackdown: Hackers Linked to BreachForums Arrested

Authorities in the United States and France have jointly announced the apprehension of five individuals implicated in a series of significant cyberattacks. These arrests are connected to activity on a prominent cybercrime forum.

Indictment of Kai West – “IntelBroker”

The U.S. Department of Justice revealed on Thursday the indictment of Kai West, a 25-year-old British citizen. He is accused of operating as a prolific hacker under the alias “IntelBroker.”

U.S. officials allege West orchestrated a sustained hacking campaign spanning several years. This scheme reportedly resulted in damages exceeding $25 million, impacting over 40 entities.

Targets of the Hacking Scheme

Among the victims targeted by West were a telecommunications firm, a municipal healthcare organization, and an internet service provider.

Specifically, concerning the healthcare provider, the DOJ claims West attempted to market sensitive patient data. This included personally identifiable information such as names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, genders, and details regarding health plans and employment.

The “CyberN[——]” Group and BreachForums

According to the DOJ, West led a hacking collective identified as “CyberN[——]”, a name containing a racial slur. This group was active on a specific online forum.

While the DOJ refrained from explicitly naming the forum, details within the complaint strongly suggest a connection to BreachForums. This forum was previously dismantled by international law enforcement in 2023 and 2024.

Arrest and Extradition

The DOJ stated that West was arrested in France in February and is currently awaiting extradition to the United States to face charges.

Additional Suspects

The complaint against West references four additional individuals associated with the CyberN[——] group. However, U.S. authorities have not yet publicly named these individuals.

These four individuals were reportedly apprehended in France earlier this week.

French Police Action and ShinyHunters

On Wednesday, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced the arrest of four individuals suspected of administering BreachForums and being affiliated with a group known as “ShinyHunters.”

Beccuau indicated that these arrests targeted the primary administrators of the site, with the expectation of its definitive closure.

The prosecutor also confirmed the February arrest in France of West, identified as IntelBroker, corroborating the information released by U.S. authorities.

Official Statements

A spokesperson for the French prosecutor’s office directed inquiries to their previously published statement when contacted for comment.

U.S. Justice Department spokesperson Nicholas Biase declined to comment on the unnamed co-conspirators, citing the fact that they have not been formally charged.

BreachForums: A Hub for Cybercrime

BreachForums was a notorious online forum where cybercriminals engaged in the sale of hacking tools and stolen data. Numerous companies, including 23andMe, were affected by data breaches advertised and facilitated on the platform.

Previous Shutdowns of BreachForums

U.S. federal authorities initially seized and shut down BreachForums in 2023, following the arrest of its administrator, Conor Brian Fitzpatrick, also known as “Pompompurin.” The site was subsequently revived but was again seized and closed in 2024.

Charges Against Kai West

West faces charges including conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, unauthorized access to protected computers to obtain information, and wire fraud.