The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) dismantles a major cybercrime hub, PopeyeTools, charging three administrators from Pakistan and Afghanistan. The illicit marketplace allegedly facilitated global financial fraud, including ransomware and credit card theft, raking in $1.7 million in revenue. Domains and cryptocurrency linked to the platform were seized, marking a major win in the fight against cybercrime.
Key Points
- The Takedown: PopeyeTools, a notorious online marketplace for stolen financial data and cybercrime tools, has been shut down.
- Charges Filed: Three administrators, Abdul Ghaffar, Abdul Sami, and Javed Mirza, face charges including conspiracy to commit access device fraud.
- Seized Assets: Over $283,000 in cryptocurrency and multiple domains tied to the marketplace were confiscated.
- Global Impact: PopeyeTools reportedly facilitated the sale of sensitive financial information belonging to over 227,000 individuals.
- Maximum Penalties: If convicted, each administrator faces up to 30 years in prison.
Short Narrative
In a significant blow to cybercriminals worldwide, the DOJ has seized the PopeyeTools website, a hub for stolen credit cards, personal data, and cybercrime resources since 2016. Known for its chilling motto, “We Believe in Quality Not Quantity,” PopeyeTools earned a reputation for selling “Live Fullz” (functional payment card data), bank logs, and even scam tutorials. The marketplace ensured customer satisfaction with refund policies for invalid cards and tools to validate stolen data.
Law enforcement’s swift actions, led by the FBI Buffalo Field Office in collaboration with international partners in the UK and Malaysia, culminated in the seizure of PopeyeTools domains and cryptocurrency accounts. Investigations revealed that PopeyeTools had generated at least $1.7 million in illicit revenue while victimizing hundreds of thousands globally.
This takedown, dubbed “Operation Shipwrecked,” highlights the DOJ’s advanced technical capabilities and growing international cooperation to counteract the global cybercrime epidemic.
Actionable Insight
For compliance professionals and cybersecurity experts, PopeyeTools‘ longevity and operational sophistication are red flags highlighting the critical need for vigilance in digital ecosystems. Platforms trading stolen PII remain persistent threats. The takedown also underscores the importance of international collaboration and robust compliance mechanisms to monitor suspicious transactions.
Call for Information
Have insights on similar platforms or ongoing cybercrime operations? Share your information securely via our whistleblower portal, Whistle42.
