On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, a significant operation unfolded in Kyiv, Ukraine, as European law enforcement, with the support of Ukrainian police, apprehended the alleged administrator of XSS.is, one of the world’s most notorious hacker forums. This arrest marks a critical milestone in the fight against global cybercrime, as XSS.is, operational since 2013, has been a central hub for cybercriminals worldwide. According to Europol, the detained individual played a pivotal role in the forum’s operations, amassing millions of euros through illicit activities. This article delves into the details of the operation, the significance of XSS.is in the cybercrime landscape, and the broader implications of this arrest.
The Russian-language XSS.is forum, active since 2013, has earned a reputation as one of the most influential online platforms for cybercriminals globally. Europol reports that the forum boasted over 50,000 active users who utilized it to trade hacking tools, stolen data, and other illegal services. The platform facilitated the sale of everything from malicious software to access to compromised databases, including personal information, credit card details, and tools for launching cyberattacks against government institutions.
A defining feature of XSS.is was its emphasis on anonymity, achieved through darknet technologies and encrypted communication channels. The forum served as a secure intermediary for cybercriminals, enabling safe exchanges of information and transactions. Moreover, the forum’s administrators generated substantial profits through advertising and commissions on transactions conducted via the platform.
The arrest of the alleged administrator was the culmination of a prolonged investigation initiated by French police in 2021. The operation was conducted in close collaboration with Ukrainian authorities and Europol, the European Union’s law enforcement agency. According to Europol, the investigation focused on identifying key figures behind the operation of XSS.is and its associated service, thesecure.biz.
The thesecure.biz platform, reportedly also managed by the suspect, provided secure online communication channels for cybercriminals, allowing them to coordinate their activities while evading detection by law enforcement. Through meticulous analysis of digital footprints and robust international cooperation, authorities successfully identified the alleged administrator and carried out the arrest in Kyiv.
The operation on July 22 in Kyiv marked a significant breakthrough in the multi-year investigation. Europol notes that the detained individual not only managed the forum but also acted as a mediator, resolving disputes among criminals and ensuring the security of transactions. Their activities enabled XSS.is to remain a trusted platform for cybercriminals.
Law enforcement estimates that the suspect amassed over €7 million by managing XSS.is and thesecure.biz. These earnings were derived from advertising revenue and commissions on transactions facilitated through the platform. This substantial financial gain underscores the vast scale of the cybercrime ecosystem that thrived under the forum’s operations.
XSS.is not only provided tools for hackers but also created an environment conducive to their seamless operations. For instance, the platform offered access to “exploits”—software designed to breach computer systems—and facilitated the trade of stolen data, such as passwords, banking details, and confidential corporate information.
The arrest of the XSS.is administrator represents a significant blow to global cybercrime. Europol officials state that dismantling platforms like XSS.is disrupts coordination among cybercriminals and limits their access to essential tools. However, law enforcement acknowledges that combating cybercrime remains a complex challenge, as new platforms often emerge following the shutdown of established ones.
This operation highlights the critical importance of international collaboration in addressing cybercrime. The combined efforts of French police, Ukrainian authorities, and Europol yielded a tangible result, demonstrating the power of cross-border cooperation. Furthermore, the arrest in Ukraine signals the country’s commitment to actively combatting cybercrime, sending a strong message to the global community.
Despite the success of this operation, cybercrime remains one of the most pressing threats in the modern world. Criminals continuously adapt to new technologies and security measures, developing increasingly sophisticated schemes. While the takedown of XSS.is may temporarily weaken the cybercrime ecosystem, participants are likely to seek alternative platforms to continue their activities.
Law enforcement agencies emphasize the need for enhanced cybersecurity at all levels—from government institutions to private companies and individual users. Education in digital security, timely software updates, and international cooperation are critical components in countering cybercrime effectively.
The arrest of the alleged XSS.is administrator in Kyiv marks a pivotal moment in the global fight against cybercrime. This operation not only struck a blow against a key cybercriminal platform but also showcased the effectiveness of international collaboration. However, the battle against cybercrime is far from over, and sustained efforts are essential to secure a safer digital future. The next steps in the investigation and the outcomes of the case against the detained individual will remain under scrutiny, as they may shed light on new facets of the global cybercrime network.