A landmark international cybersecurity operation has resulted in the shutdown of XSS[.]is, one of the largest Russian-speaking cybercrime forums, following the arrest of its alleged administrator. The coordinated effort between French and Ukrainian law enforcement agencies marks a significant victory against the global cybercriminal ecosystem that has plagued organizations worldwide for over a decade.
XSS Forum: A Decade-Long Cybercrime Hub
Operating since 2013, the XSS forum served as a central marketplace for cybercriminal activities, hosting approximately 50,000 registered users from across the globe. The platform functioned as a sophisticated criminal enterprise where threat actors could purchase malware, access compromised systems, and advertise Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) platforms.
The forum’s operations were facilitated through a private Jabber server hosted at thesecure[.]biz, which provided encrypted communications between cybercriminals. This communication channel ultimately became the key breakthrough point for law enforcement agencies investigating the criminal network.
Four-Year Investigation Yields Major Results
The Paris Prosecutor’s Office initiated the comprehensive investigation four years ago, with the Cybercrime Unit working alongside the judicial police to penetrate the forum’s sophisticated security measures. The operation officially commenced on July 2, 2021, when investigators obtained court authorization to intercept communications on the thesecure[.]biz Jabber server.
Through successful server compromise techniques, law enforcement gained access to extensive user communications, revealing the full scope of criminal activities conducted through the platform. The intercepted data provided crucial evidence of numerous cybercrimes, including ransomware attacks, data breaches, and financial fraud schemes.
Analysis of the compromised communications revealed that forum participants generated at least $7 million in criminal proceeds through various cybercrime activities, including ransomware attacks, system breaches, and other malicious operations targeting organizations worldwide.
Administrator’s Central Role in Criminal Operations
The arrested administrator played a crucial role extending far beyond technical forum maintenance. According to Europol intelligence, the suspect served as a trusted intermediary and dispute resolver within the criminal community, facilitating secure financial transactions and maintaining operational security for forum members.
Investigation findings indicate the administrator maintained nearly two decades of involvement in cybercriminal activities, establishing extensive connections with key figures in the international cybercrime landscape. The arrest was executed by Ukrainian authorities with direct support from French police officers and Europol coordination.
Forum Policy Changes and Continued Operations
Notably, XSS administrators implemented a policy change in May 2021, prohibiting discussions related to ransomware activities. This decision reflected increased international pressure on cybercriminal organizations following high-profile attacks on critical infrastructure. However, the policy modification did not deter ongoing law enforcement investigations.
Technical Operation and Forum Takedown
On July 23, 2025, forum participants began expressing suspicions about potential law enforcement infiltration. Their concerns proved justified when the platform was officially taken offline, replaced with a seizure notice confirming domain confiscation by authorities.
The successful server infrastructure seizure and administrator arrest create significant opportunities for identifying and prosecuting additional criminal network participants. Evidence collected during the operation may support future international arrests and prosecutions of cybercriminals who utilized the platform.
The XSS forum takedown demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained international cooperation in combating sophisticated cybercrime operations. This success underscores the critical importance of continuous monitoring and coordinated law enforcement efforts against criminal marketplaces. Organizations should view this development as a reminder to strengthen their cybersecurity postures through regular security assessments, employee training programs, and implementation of robust defense mechanisms against evolving cyber threats. While this operation represents a significant victory, the cybersecurity community must remain vigilant as criminal actors continue developing new platforms and attack methodologies.
