Ethical Hacking News
IntelBroker, a notorious hacker, has been charged by the US for stealing sensitive data from victims worldwide, causing an estimated $25 million in damages. The indictment highlights the ongoing threat of cybercrime and underscores the need for international cooperation in combating it.
The US has charged Kai West (IntelBroker) with $25 million in damages for stealing sensitive data from victims worldwide. Involvement of government agencies, companies, and critical infrastructure in IntelBroker's cyberattacks is reported. Stolen information included health records, internal files, and user data from various platforms and organizations. Penalties for West include conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, wire fraud, and accessing a protected computer to obtain information. West had been arrested in February 2025 and is now being sought for extradition to face charges in New York.
The world of cybercrime has seen its fair share of notorious hackers over the years, but one individual stands out for their brazen and far-reaching exploits. IntelBroker, a pseudonym used by Kai West, a 25-year-old British national, has been charged in the United States for stealing and selling sensitive data from victims worldwide, causing an estimated $25 million in damages.
The indictment, revealed today by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, accuses West of using his handle "IntelBroker" to orchestrate a years-long campaign of cyberattacks on government agencies and networks, companies, and critical infrastructure. This data was most often put up for sale on the BreachForums hacking forum, an online platform notorious for its connection to illicit activities.
The stolen information included sensitive health records, internal files from telecommunication and cybersecurity firms, as well as user data from online platforms. IntelBroker's actions were not limited to individual targets; they also targeted organizations that handled large amounts of sensitive information, such as Europol, General Electric, Weee!, AMD, HPE, Nokia, and DC Health Link.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York states that authorities have calculated that West caused approximately $25 million in damages to dozens of victims. The charges against West include conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, wire fraud, conspiracy to conduct wire fraud, and accessing a protected computer to obtain information. Three of the charges carry a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.
The French media reported today that West had been arrested in February 2025. The United States is now seeking to extradite West to face charges in New York.
In January 2023, an undercover agent allegedly purchased a stolen API key from IntelBroker. The Bitcoin address used in the sale was traced back to an earlier wallet created on the Ramp online banking platform that was owned by an account registered to a UK driving license in West's name. Further investigation revealed that the same email account used on the Ramp account was tied to a Coinbase account registered to the alias "Kyle Northern," a known persona of West.
The email account contained invoices, emails from his university, and a photo of West's license, allowing the FBI to link Kai West to the IntelBroker persona. According to U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, "IntelBroker's actions have caused millions in damages to victims around the world." He added, "This action reflects the FBI's commitment to pursuing cybercriminals around the world."
In related news, four other people were arrested in France this week, who are said to be the operators of the BreachForums hacking forums. IntelBroker was also an admin of the forum for some time but recently stepped down in January.
The arrest and indictment of IntelBroker serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats faced by individuals and organizations in the digital age. As cyberattacks continue to evolve, it is essential that both the public and private sectors remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent and respond to these incidents.
The incident also underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies worldwide. The French authorities' reported arrest of the BreachForums operators highlights the global nature of cybercrime and the need for international cooperation in combating it.
In conclusion, IntelBroker's actions represent a significant threat to cybersecurity everywhere. Their brazen exploits have caused millions in damages and highlight the importance of vigilance in the face of evolving cyber threats.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Hacker-IntelBroker-Charged-for-Global-Data-Theft-Breaches-A-Threat-to-Cybersecurity-Everywhere-ehn.shtml
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/british-hacker-intelbroker-charged-with-25m-in-cybercrime-damages/
Published: Wed Jun 25 22:52:26 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
