Cybercrime Marketplace Crumbles as Authorities Seize Hidden Crypto Stash

The U.S. Justice Department has announced the seizure of Popeyetools, a cybercrime marketplace, and unmasked its role in illicit cryptocurrency transactions. Administrators Abdul Ghaffar, Abdul Sami, and Javed Mirza were charged with selling stolen financial data and facilitating crimes involving ransomware and fraud. Since 2016, Popeyetools generated $1.7 million in revenue, partly from cryptocurrency payments, and sold stolen credit card data and personally identifiable information. Authorities also seized $283,000 worth of cryptocurrency from a wallet controlled by Sami. U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross highlighted the global collaboration in dismantling the platform, which advertised services like “Live Fullz” and tools for validating stolen financial data. If convicted, the defendants face up to 10 years in prison for each charge. The case involved international law enforcement, emphasizing a robust stance against crypto-enabled crime.