US And European Authorities Shut Down Major Cybercrime Forum

Overview

U.S. and European law enforcement agencies have seized the database of LeakBase, a forum used to trade stolen passwords, hacking tools, and sensitive financial data. Authorities say the platform functioned as an online marketplace for compromised information linked to cybercrime operations. The action forms part of a broader international effort aimed at disrupting digital platforms that distribute stolen credentials and financial records.

Operational Footprint And Impact

Launched in 2021, LeakBase accumulated more than 142,000 registered users and over 215,000 messages. The platform operated as a repository for illicit data, including stolen account credentials, credit card details, and banking information. Investigators said the forum contained hundreds of millions of compromised records. Such data is frequently used in identity theft schemes, financial fraud, and unauthorized account access.

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Coordinated Global Action

The investigation involved coordinated operations by international law enforcement agencies. Authorities carried out roughly 100 enforcement actions across multiple jurisdictions. Investigators focused on the 37 most active users of the platform. The operation resulted in more than 13 arrests, searches of several locations, and the questioning of 33 suspects. Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation also redirected the forum’s domain to government-controlled servers, making the LeakBase platform inaccessible.

Ongoing Risks And Future Implications

Law enforcement officials note that forums such as LeakBase remain a persistent feature of the cybercrime ecosystem. Stolen credentials and financial data traded on these platforms often circulate across multiple underground marketplaces. Authorities say continued international cooperation will be essential to disrupt networks that support large-scale cybercrime operations.

Preservation Of Evidence

Although the forum has been taken offline, a seizure notice now displayed on LeakBase’s website confirms that its contents have been preserved as evidence. Investigators retained the platform’s databases, including private messages and IP address logs, which may support ongoing investigations into individuals connected to the forum.

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Eurobank Wins Two Euromoney Awards Following Cyprus Merger

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 17, 2026

Eurobank has been named Cyprus’ Best Bank for 2026 by Euromoney, while also receiving the award for Best Bank for Large Corporates at the publication’s latest Awards for Excellence.

Merger Marks A Milestone

The awards recognise the bank’s performance during 2025, a year marked by the completion of the legal merger between Hellenic Bank and Eurobank Cyprus. The transaction created Eurobank Limited, which the group says is now Cyprus’ largest banking and insurance organisation, with assets exceeding €28 billion.

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Euromoney’s Awards for Excellence evaluate banks’ performance over the previous calendar year, with this edition covering January 1 to December 31, 2025.

Lending, Customers And Digital Growth

Eurobank said its business lending portfolio expanded by around 17 per cent during 2025, while its customer base grew to more than 710,000 retail clients and 11,500 business customers.

The bank also continued its digital expansion, saying more than 96 per cent of transactions are now completed through digital channels, and most financing applications are submitted via its mobile app.

Expanding International Presence

Eurobank also highlighted the opening of its first representative office in India, describing the move as a step toward strengthening business links between Cyprus and India while supporting Cyprus’ role as a gateway to the European Union for Indian businesses and investors.

According to the bank, Euromoney recognised not only the successful completion of the merger but also its lending growth, digital transformation and contribution to Cyprus’ position as an international business and investment hub.

CEO On The Awards

“The Euromoney awards confirm Eurobank’s strong momentum and the successful implementation of our group’s strategy in Cyprus,” Chief Executive Michalis Louis said.

He said the merger strengthened the bank’s ability to support households, businesses and the wider economy, while highlighting continued investment in digital services and the opening of the representative office in India as key milestones during the year.

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