A key figure behind the major Russian-speaking cybercrime forum xss.is has been arrested in Kyiv, Ukraine, as part of a coordinated investigation by French and Ukrainian authorities. The suspect, believed to have facilitated over EUR 7 million in illicit activities, is thought to have operated the forum for nearly two decades.
xss.is, which had more than 50,000 registered users, was a central platform for stolen data, hacking tools, and illicit services. The forum’s administrator played a crucial role in enabling criminal activity, acting as a trusted third party to resolve disputes and guarantee transaction security.
The investigation, initiated by the French Police in 2021, involved close cooperation with Ukrainian authorities and Europol. Europol provided essential support throughout the investigation, facilitating information exchange and coordination between the French Police and Ukrainian teams.
The suspect’s arrest is part of a broader effort to dismantle the cybercrime ecosystem. The operation aligns with findings from Europol’s 2025 Internet Organised Crime Threat Assessment (IOCTA), which highlights the booming black market for stolen data as a critical driver of the cybercrime economy.
The French Police, in collaboration with Ukrainian and Europol authorities, took part in the investigation, including the Paris Prosecutor’s Office, the General Prosecutor’s Office of Ukraine, and the Security Service of Ukraine – Cybercrime Department.
Source: https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/key-figure-behind-major-russian-speaking-cybercrime-forum-targeted-in-ukraine