The XSS forum admin arrested in Kyiv has been identified as a major player in one of the internet’s most dangerous cybercrime networks. Europol confirmed that the arrest took place in Ukraine earlier this week. The investigation was led by French police and the Paris Prosecutor’s Office in close collaboration with Europol.
The target of the operation is believed to be an administrator of XSS.is, a long-running Russian-language cybercriminal forum. With over 50,000 registered users, the site acted as a digital marketplace for stolen data, malware, ransomware services, and access to compromised systems.
XSS.is Enabled Global Cybercrime
Since launching in 2013, XSS.is has served as a meeting point for hackers, data brokers, and ransomware affiliates. Criminals used it to buy and sell credentials, advertise illicit services, and recruit partners for cyberattacks. The forum operated alongside an encrypted Jabber server, which enabled anonymous messaging between users.
According to Europol, the suspect was not a technical administrator or developer. Instead, he worked as a trusted middleman, resolving disputes and guaranteeing high-value transactions. His role made him a key figure in keeping the forum’s economy stable and its user base active.
€7 Million Earned from Cybercrime
Authorities estimate the suspect made over €7 million by collecting advertising fees and charging for dispute resolution. In addition to his work on XSS.is, he allegedly ran thesecure.biz, a private messaging platform built specifically for underground communities.
The service helped cybercriminals communicate without being tracked, further shielding illegal deals from authorities.
Europol’s Operation Sends a Message
This high-profile arrest delivers a clear message: even the most trusted figures in cybercrime circles are not untouchable. The XSS forum admin arrested in Kyiv played a major role in enabling digital crime, but law enforcement agencies worked across borders to bring him down.
Conclusion
With the XSS forum admin arrested in Kyiv, one of the world’s largest dark web forums has lost a key figure. The operation proves that international cooperation can pierce even the deepest layers of the cybercriminal underground. Authorities warn that more actions against XSS.is-linked users may follow.
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