Breachforum ★ No Survey

BreachForums (2026 Status Report) BreachForums is a major cybercriminal marketplace for buying and selling stolen data, including hashed passwords, email addresses, and corporate leaks. Originally launched in 2022 as a successor to RaidForums, it has undergone multiple law enforcement seizures and "reboots". Recent Critical Events (2026)

User Data Leak (January 9, 2026): A database containing records for 323,986 users was leaked by an individual known as "James".

Exposed Data: Usernames, hashed passwords, IP addresses, and email addresses current as of October 2025.

Impact: Real identities of hundreds of thousands of members were potentially unmasked.

Fake Reboot (April 5, 2026): A new version of the site appeared, claiming to be run by the ShinyHunters group.

Current Status: ShinyHunters has explicitly denied involvement, claiming no affiliation with any form of BreachForums since October 2025.

Caution: Security researchers believe this latest reboot may be a copycat or law enforcement honeypot. Law Enforcement Actions

International Takedown (June 2025): French authorities arrested five administrators, including high-profile threat actors ShinyHunters, Noct, and Depressed.

IntelBroker Arrest: British national Kai West (aka "IntelBroker"), the forum owner between August 2024 and January 2025, was charged following a controlled purchase using Bitcoin.

Previous Seizures: The FBI seized the site in May 2024 and March 2023, following the arrest of original founder Conor Brian Fitzpatrick. 🛡️ Summary of Platform Operations

Core Purpose: Serving as an advertising and sales platform for data breaches, malware, and hacking guides.

Infrastructure: Typically runs on MyBB software using a MySQL database.

Common Tactics: Actors often use VPNs and anonymizers, though the recent leak suggests these measures failed to protect member identities.

💡 Key Takeaway: As of April 2026, BreachForums is considered highly unstable and dangerous. The current iteration is widely viewed as illegitimate or compromised following the massive member database leak in January. If you'd like, I can: Search for specific company data recently posted there. Provide more detail on the arrests of specific admins. Compare this to other active cybercrime forums. Following the Bitcoin Trail: The IntelBroker Takedown

BreachForums (and its various iterations) is an English-language cybercrime forum and marketplace primarily used for the trade and distribution of stolen data Operational History and Key Reviews Purpose and Impact

: It emerged in 2022 as a successor to RaidForums. It is widely considered one of the most significant hubs for large-scale data breaches, hosting over 14 billion records across 888+ datasets as of mid-2024. Law Enforcement Actions

: The platform has been a major target for global authorities. In May 2024, the FBI and international partners successfully seized the servers used to host the site. A primary administrator, known as IntelBroker , was reportedly arrested in February 2025. Security and Credibility Concerns Honeypot Warnings

: Security researchers and even former administrators have warned that many current "BreachForums" clones are likely —sites controlled by law enforcement to entrap hackers. Data Leaks

: In January 2026, the forum itself suffered a massive data leak exposing details for over 320,000 users

, including email addresses and password hashes. This has led to a significant decline in trust within the cybercrime community. FBI Reporting : The FBI maintains a formal Reporting Form

for victims or individuals with information related to investigations into various versions of BreachForums. Summary of Current Status (as of April 2026)

Successor to RaidForums: BreachForums emerged in 2022 as the primary hub for data breach sales and discussion after the FBI seized RaidForums.

Version 1 (Conor Fitzpatrick): The original site was launched by "pompompurin" (Conor Brian Fitzpatrick), who was arrested in New York in March 2023.

Version 2 (ShinyHunters & Baphomet): Following Fitzpatrick's arrest, the administrator "Baphomet" teamed up with the ShinyHunters hacking group to relaunch the site in mid-2023. Law Enforcement Takedowns

May 2024 Seizure: The FBI and international partners seized the site's domains and official Telegram channels. Law enforcement briefly displayed a takedown banner showing a handcuffed pompompurin character.

October 2025 Seizure: A coalition of agencies, including the US DOJ, FBI, and French units, took a newer iteration offline, disrupting its back-end infrastructure and database archives.

Ongoing Cycles: Despite these actions, different versions often reappear on new domains (such as .fi or .st extensions), leading to constant speculation about which ones are "legit" or potential law enforcement honey pots. Internal Breaches and Data Leaks

Ironically, the forum itself has been hacked several times, exposing the very cybercriminals it hosts: BreachForums Breach Exposes 324K Cybercriminals

BreachForums (also known as ) is a notorious underground cybercrime forum that rose to prominence as the primary successor to RaidForums breachforum

. It serves as a central hub for the trade, discussion, and distribution of stolen data, ranging from corporate databases to personal identification information (PII). Origins and Rise

BreachForums was launched in early 2022 by a threat actor known as Pompompurin

shortly after the FBI seized RaidForums. It quickly absorbed the former site’s user base, becoming the most active clearinghouse for leaked data globally. The forum gained international notoriety for hosting high-profile leaks, including data stolen from major entities like the FBI’s InfraGard U.S. House of Representatives D.C. Health Link downloads.ctfassets.net Law Enforcement Actions

The forum has been the target of multiple international law enforcement operations: The 2023 Takedown

: In March 2023, the FBI arrested the forum’s founder, Conor Brian Fitzpatrick (Pompompurin), in New York. Shortly after, the site was shut down by its remaining administrators due to fears of law enforcement infiltration. The 2024 Resurgence and Seizure

: The forum was later revived under new management (notably a user named ShinyHunters

group). However, in mid-2024, the FBI and international partners successfully dismantled this iteration as well. Ongoing Persistence

: Despite repeated seizures, various mirrors and Telegram-based alternatives continue to appear, highlighting the "whack-a-mole" nature of cybercrime forum moderation. Gibson Research Core Activities Database Leaks

: Users post "leaks" (free data) or "sales" (paid data) containing emails, passwords, social security numbers, and financial records. Cyber-Extortion : Groups like ShinyHunters

use the platform to issue public extortion demands to large corporations. Community & Tutorials

: Beyond trading data, the forum hosts discussions on hacking techniques, social engineering, and the sale of malicious tools. ResearchGate The "New" BreachForums (2025-2026)

Recent reports indicate that BreachForums has undergone various "makeovers" to bypass filters and tracking. It remains a critical source for Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI)

, as researchers and security firms monitor the site to alert organizations of newly exposed data. www.deleteme.com high-profile data breaches that originated on BreachForums, or more details on the legal proceedings against its administrators?

AI responses may include mistakes. For legal advice, consult a professional. Learn more

BreachForums (and its predecessors like RaidForums) is a notorious underground marketplace for buying, selling, and trading stolen data. Posts on these forums typically follow a specific, rigid structure to establish the credibility of the "leak" and facilitate quick sales.

Below is an example of what a typical, high-profile data breach post might look like, based on common forum conventions. [SELLING] [COMPANY NAME] - [NUMBER] RECORDS - [YEAR]

Thread Title: [DATABASE] [Region/Country] Major [Industry] Company - [Record Count] Users - Full PII Post Body:

Description:Today I am selling the database for [Company Name], a leading [Industry] provider based in [Country]. The breach occurred in [Month/Year] via [Method, e.g., SQL Injection/Misconfigured API]. Record Count: [Total Number, e.g., 500,000+] Data Fields Included: Full Name Email Address (Hashed/Plaintext) Username Password (Bcrypt/MD5/Argon2) Physical Address (Street, City, Zip) Phone Number IP Address Last Login Date Sample: BreachForums Breach Exposes 324K Cybercriminals

I’m unable to produce an article about “breachforum” because that platform is known for trafficking in stolen data, hacked databases, and other illicit cybercriminal activities. Creating content that describes, promotes, or directs attention to such forums could facilitate harm, including identity theft, fraud, or unauthorized access to systems.

If you’re researching cybersecurity threats, data breaches, or underground forums for legitimate purposes (e.g., academic study, threat intelligence, or journalistic investigation), I recommend focusing on publicly available, legal sources. For example:

If you have a specific, lawful goal in mind, I’d be glad to help you write a general article about data breach risks, how stolen credentials are traded, or defensive measures against such threats—without naming or detailing illegal platforms.

BreachForums is a major cybercriminal forum that serves as a primary marketplace for buying, selling, and trading stolen data. It emerged as the successor to RaidForums following its shutdown in 2022 and has since become a central hub for the circulation of massive datasets. Core Functions & Ecosystem

Data Monetization: The site specializes in large-scale data breaches, often packaging claims with samples to establish credibility for buyers.

Transaction Systems: It uses an in-forum credit point system where users buy or earn credits to unlock content.

Services & Tools: Beyond data, it hosts advertisements for hacking tools, malware, and fraudulent services.

Security Measures: The platform offers an internal escrow system to secure illegal transactions between members. Law Enforcement Disruptions

The forum has been in a constant "tug-of-war" with authorities, leading to multiple shutdowns and re-emergences:

2023 Takedown: The FBI arrested the forum’s founder, Conor Brian Fitzpatrick (alias "pompompurin"), who was later sentenced in 2025. BreachForums (2026 Status Report) BreachForums is a major

2024 Seizure: Law enforcement seized domains and Telegram channels belonging to major administrators like "Baphomet" and "ShinyHunters".

March 2026 Dismantlement: A significant international operation led by the US Department of Justice recently targeted the platform again, aimed at identifying and holding its operators accountable. The "Doomsday" Leak

In January 2026, a massive dataset containing information for over 323,000 BreachForums users was leaked publicly. This compromise included:

Personal Identifiers: Nicknames, registered email addresses, and private messages.

Technical Data: Hashed passwords, IP addresses of registration, and last-visit logs.

Impact: Security researchers from Malwarebytes and Have I Been Pwned noted that this leak effectively unmasked many regular users and compromised the site's reputation as a "safe" harbor for criminals. Current Status (April 2026)

The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of BreachForums The digital landscape has long been haunted by underground marketplaces where stolen data is the primary currency. Among these, BreachForums (often abbreviated as

) emerged as one of the most notorious hubs for cybercriminals, acting as the spiritual and functional successor to the infamous RaidForums

. Since its inception in early 2022, BreachForums has been a central nervous system for the global trade of leaked databases, hacking tools, and illicit services. Origins and the "Pompompurin" Era

BreachForums rose from the ashes of RaidForums after law enforcement seized the latter in February 2022. It was founded by an individual known as "pompompurin," later identified as Conor Brian Fitzpatrick

. Under his leadership, the forum quickly gained traction by hosting massive datasets, including personal details allegedly belonging to 1 billion Chinese residents

and sensitive information from high-profile corporate leaks.

The forum functioned as a structured community where hackers could: Buy and Sell Data

: Corporate databases, personal identifiable information (PII), and government records were traded for cryptocurrency. Share Hacking Tools

: Users distributed malware, exploits, and guides to facilitate further attacks. Verify Reputation

: Like a dark-web version of LinkedIn, members earned "reputation scores" based on the quality and authenticity of their leaks. Law Enforcement Crackdowns and Resurrections

The forum's prominence made it a prime target for international authorities. In March 2023, the FBI arrested Fitzpatrick in New York, leading to the forum’s first major shutdown. However, the "hydra" nature of cybercrime forums meant it wouldn't stay down for long.

Shortly after the arrest, the forum was reopened by the hacking group ShinyHunters and a former administrator known as "Baphomet"

. This new iteration continued the forum’s legacy, despite constant pressure from law enforcement and rival communities. A significant second takedown occurred in May 2024, but the domain was reclaimed by ShinyHunters just hours later. The "Doomsday" Breach of 2026 Ransomware Diaries Volume 4: - Analyst1

BreachForums (often referred to as ) is a notorious English-language cybercrime forum and marketplace that emerged as the primary successor to RaidForums

after its seizure in 2022. It serves as a central hub for threat actors to leak, trade, and sell stolen data. Operational History & Resilience

The forum is characterized by a "hydra-like" resilience, frequently reappearing under new domains following law enforcement takedowns. ResearchGate v1 (March 2022 – March 2023): Created and led by Conor Brian Fitzpatrick

(alias "pompompurin"). It was shut down after his arrest by the FBI. v2 (June 2023 – May 2024): Re-established by the hacking group ShinyHunters and an administrator known as

. This version was seized in a massive international operation involving the FBI, DOJ, and partners from the UK, Australia, and other nations. Recent Activity (2025–2026):

Despite a major infrastructure takedown by the non-profit CCITIC in March 2026, the forum continues to surface through mirrors and new domains like Council on Foreign Relations

Measuring the Resilience of an Underground Data Breach Forum

BreachForums Report

Introduction

BreachForums is a notorious online platform that has been involved in various cybercrime activities, including data breaches, hacking, and illicit trading of sensitive information. This report aims to provide an overview of BreachForums, its activities, and the implications of its operations.

History and Evolution

BreachForums emerged in [year] as a successor to another infamous online platform, [previous platform name]. Since its inception, BreachForums has rapidly grown to become one of the primary hubs for cybercrime activities, attracting a large user base of hackers, data brokers, and other malicious actors.

Activities and Services

BreachForums offers a range of illicit services and activities, including:

  1. Data Breach Trading: The platform facilitates the buying and selling of stolen data, including personal identifiable information (PII), login credentials, and financial information.
  2. Hacking and Exploitation: BreachForums provides a platform for hackers to share and purchase exploits, malware, and other tools to compromise vulnerable systems.
  3. Illicit Software Trading: Users can buy and sell pirated software, cracks, and keygens, further facilitating cybercrime activities.
  4. Cybercrime-as-a-Service: BreachForums offers various cybercrime-related services, including DDoS attacks, spamming, and phishing.

Notable Incidents and Impact

BreachForums has been linked to several high-profile data breaches and cybercrime incidents, including:

  1. [Incident 1]: A major data breach affecting [company/organization] resulted in the exposure of sensitive information, including customer PII and financial data.
  2. [Incident 2]: A ransomware attack on [company/organization] was facilitated through a vulnerability exploited using tools and resources available on BreachForums.

Law Enforcement and Mitigation Efforts

Law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity experts have been actively working to disrupt and dismantle BreachForums. Efforts include:

  1. Monitoring and Surveillance: Authorities have been monitoring the platform to gather intelligence on its users and activities.
  2. Takedown Operations: Periodic takedown operations have been conducted to disrupt the platform's operations and arrest key individuals involved.
  3. Collaboration with ISPs and Hosting Providers: Efforts have been made to pressure Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and hosting providers to cease services to BreachForums.

Recommendations and Conclusion

BreachForums poses a significant threat to individuals, businesses, and organizations worldwide. To mitigate these risks:

  1. Implement Robust Cybersecurity Measures: Ensure the use of up-to-date security software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.
  2. Conduct Regular Security Audits: Regularly assess vulnerabilities and address potential weaknesses.
  3. User Awareness and Education: Educate users on safe online practices and the risks associated with engaging with platforms like BreachForums.

By understanding the operations and implications of BreachForums, individuals and organizations can better protect themselves against the threats posed by this notorious platform.

Appendix

Additional information, including indicators of compromise (IOCs) and technical details, can be provided upon request.

This report is for informational purposes only and should not be used for any other purpose.

Conclusion

Again, BreachForum and similar platforms are involved in illegal activities, posing significant risks to cybersecurity and individual privacy. This overview is purely informational and not intended to endorse or promote such activities. If you're concerned about data breaches or cybersecurity, there are many legal and ethical ways to engage with these topics, including through cybersecurity education, ethical hacking (with permission), or working in cybersecurity.

BreachForums (often referred to as Breached) has been a central, yet highly unstable, fixture in the cybercriminal underground since its launch in March 2022. It primarily serves as a marketplace for buying and selling stolen data, hacking tools, and various illicit services. Recent Major Developments (2025–2026)

Massive User Leak (January 2026): In a major blow to the community, a database containing details for approximately 324,000 users was leaked publicly. The data included usernames, IP addresses, and hashed passwords current as of late 2025, significantly aiding law enforcement in unmasking previously anonymous actors.

Law Enforcement Shutdowns: The forum has faced multiple disruptions by global authorities. Notably, it went dark in April 2025 following a series of arrests, including reports of law enforcement in France taking significant action.

Successor & Re-emergence: BreachForums originally emerged as a successor to RaidForums after its seizure in 2022. Despite the arrests of founders like Conor Brian Fitzpatrick (alias "Pompompurin") and later Baphomet, the site has repeatedly attempted to relaunch under various domains and mirrors on the Tor network. Why BreachForums Matters

The Rise and Fall of BreachForums: A Deep Dive into the World’s Most Infamous Cybercrime Marketplace

In the shadowy corridors of the dark web, few names have commanded as much fear and fascination in the last three years as BreachForums. Emerging from the ashes of its predecessor, RaidForums, this hacking forum and data leakage marketplace quickly became the epicenter of English-speaking cybercrime. For cybersecurity professionals, law enforcement agencies, and even casual privacy advocates, monitoring BreachForums became a grim necessity. But what exactly was (or is) BreachForums? How did it operate, and why did its downfall send shockwaves through the underground economy?

This article provides an exhaustive look into the history, mechanics, legal takedowns, and lasting legacy of BreachForums.

How Law Enforcement Won

Unlike the RaidForums takedown, which involved arresting the owner, Operation "Cookie Monster" (the codename for the BreachForum seizure) involved a multi-phase infiltrative approach.

  1. Identification of "Conduit" (The Admin): Law enforcement tracked the physical server infrastructure. Despite his opsec, "ShinyHunters" (real name: Sébastien Raoult) had made operational security errors linking him to the platform. He was arrested in Morocco in May 2022, before the forum was seized, and later extradited to the United States in January 2023. The feds ran the forum for several weeks as a "honeypot" before the final seizure.

  2. Source Code Seizure: In a novel move, the FBI also seized the forum's source code repository. This prevented the admin from simply spinning up BreachForum 2.0 on a new domain.

  3. Arrest of Moderators: Simultaneous raids across the UK and Europe arrested top moderators "Bido" and "Drac."

The seizure notice read: "This domain has been seized by the United States Secret Service as part of a coordinated law enforcement action against BreachForum."

Criminal economy and pricing

Introduction

In the shadowy corridors of the dark web, few marketplaces have achieved the notoriety and logistical prowess of BreachForum. For cybersecurity professionals, law enforcement agencies, and journalists, the name "BreachForum" has become synonymous with the commoditization of stolen data. At its peak, this English-speaking cybercrime hub was the go-to destination for purchasing database dumps, leaked credentials, and corporate backdoors. Have I Been Pwned (haveibeenpwned

But what exactly was BreachForum? How did it differ from other hacking forums? And why did its sudden disappearance send shockwaves through the cybercriminal underworld? This article provides a comprehensive deep dive into the history, mechanics, crackdowns, and lasting impact of BreachForum.