In a significant development in the fight against cybercrime, French authorities have announced the arrest of an alleged administrator of the notorious XSS.is cybercrime forum in Ukraine. This arrest, which took place on July 22, 2025, is the culmination of a four-year investigation and underscores the growing international cooperation in combating cybercriminal activities.
Background on XSS.is
XSS.is, formerly known as DaMaGeLaB, is a Russian-language cybercrime forum that has been operational for over two decades. It serves as a marketplace for cybercriminals to buy and sell a variety of illicit goods and services, including ransomware, malware, access to compromised systems, stolen data, and zero-day exploits. The forum has also been a platform for leaking data obtained from high-profile hacks.
The Investigation and Arrest
The investigation leading to the arrest was initiated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Paris and focused on a Jabber server named ‘thesecure.biz,’ which was utilized by XSS forum members for anonymous communication. French police intercepted messages on this server, uncovering cybercriminal activities that generated at least $7 million in profits. The arrest was conducted in Ukraine with the assistance of Europol and in the presence of French law enforcement officials. The identity of the suspect has not been disclosed, and Ukrainian authorities have yet to issue a statement regarding the arrest.
Implications for the Cybercrime Landscape
The arrest of a key figure in the XSS forum is a significant blow to the cybercriminal community. XSS.is has been a central hub for cybercriminals, facilitating the exchange of tools and information necessary for conducting cyberattacks. The forum’s longevity and reputation have made it a trusted platform among cybercriminals. Disrupting its operations could lead to a decrease in the availability of cybercrime tools and services, at least temporarily.
Historical Context and Previous Actions
This arrest is part of a broader trend of law enforcement agencies targeting administrators of cybercrime forums. For instance, in June 2025, French police arrested four administrators of BreachForums, another notorious cybercrime forum. These arrests indicate a concerted effort by international law enforcement to dismantle the infrastructure that supports cybercriminal activities.
Challenges in Combating Cybercrime
Despite these successes, combating cybercrime remains a complex challenge. Cybercriminal forums like XSS.is are often resilient, with members quickly adapting to disruptions by migrating to new platforms or creating successor forums. Additionally, the anonymity provided by the internet and the use of encrypted communication channels make it difficult for law enforcement to identify and apprehend individuals involved in cybercriminal activities.
The Role of International Cooperation
The arrest highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing cybercrime. Cybercriminal activities often transcend national borders, making it essential for countries to work together to investigate and prosecute offenders. The collaboration between French and Ukrainian authorities, with the support of Europol, exemplifies the kind of coordinated effort required to tackle the global nature of cybercrime.
Future Outlook
While the arrest of the XSS forum administrator is a positive development, it is unlikely to signal the end of cybercriminal forums. The cybercrime ecosystem is highly adaptive, and new forums are likely to emerge to fill any void left by the disruption of existing platforms. Therefore, continuous vigilance and cooperation among international law enforcement agencies are necessary to keep pace with the evolving cybercrime landscape.
Conclusion
The arrest of an alleged administrator of the XSS.is cybercrime forum in Ukraine represents a significant achievement in the ongoing battle against cybercrime. It underscores the effectiveness of international collaboration and the commitment of law enforcement agencies to disrupt the operations of cybercriminal networks. However, the persistent and evolving nature of cybercrime necessitates ongoing efforts to develop and implement strategies to combat this global threat.
