Multiple investigations by the Cybercrime Team of the Zeeland-West Brabant unit revealed that suspects had an account on the platform Cracked.io. This was a forum where not only cybercrime-related topics were discussed, but where data and tools for hacking, cracking, and other forms of cybercrime were actually traded. The platform is known for offering leaked data, illegal software, and tutorials for committing fraud. This could lead to the actual commission of offenses such as hacking, phishing, and bank helpdesk fraud. Over the years, tools for hacking computers or software and millions of personal data were traded via the forum.

Identification of 126 users
From Europol, multiple countries have been involved over the past year in securing and taking down the servers used by the forum and identifying and prosecuting the administrators. As a result, the Cybercrime Team of Zeeland-West Brabant was able to focus on identifying Dutch users. Ultimately, it was possible to identify 126 individual users. For each user, the criminal offenses were mapped. Some individuals had previously been convicted or were involved in ongoing investigations.

Interventions
This investigation has led to various interventions directed at the users, with an average age of 20 years. The youngest user was even 11 years old. The users reside all over the country. In the past week, a large number of users received a personal letter and/or email from the police. Additionally, about 20 stop conversations were conducted. Criminal files are being prepared against eight individuals that will be forwarded to the Public Prosecution Service, which will make a decision in this matter. Furthermore, various accounts on Telegram and Discord are being removed, as these accounts are suspected of being used for trading data of potential victims.

Also visible online to the police
Participating in and visiting such platforms may seem very easy and especially innocent, but the risk is high that a line is crossed and then a criminal offense is committed. During the interventions, the police also focus on warning users and the impact their actions have on themselves and victims. A criminal record makes it very difficult to obtain a mortgage or apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG). Something that may not seem important now, but can be of great importance later. Additionally, the emotional impact on victims is also emphasized.

Future
The investigation will continue for a while. The police and Public Prosecution Service also offer assistance to young people in need. The police will continue to investigate suspicious forums and their users. Have you seen a suspicious situation yourself? Report it to us via 0900-8844.