One of the world's best-known cybercrime groups said it had hijacked one of its chief

By: ReutersTech

Published: 2026-09-21T16:00:24.225501Z

Last Updated: 2026-09-22T16:51:18.737260Z

Category: Science & Technology

The alleged takeover exposes a long-running conflict between two prominent criminal networks operating beyond the reach of conventional internet regulation.

The group behind the claim said the rival platform had been hijacked, though independent verification of the breach and the extent of any stolen data was not immediately available.

Dark web forums are frequently used to advertise stolen information, sell hacking tools, and negotiate ransomware attacks, making control of a rival site potentially valuable.

The dispute also reflects growing competition among cybercrime groups, which often fight over victims, infrastructure, reputation, and access to illicit markets.

Security researchers are monitoring the incident for signs that the confrontation could trigger retaliatory attacks, expose sensitive information, or disrupt criminal operations.

Authorities and cybersecurity firms routinely track these platforms, but identifying the individuals behind them remains difficult because operators rely on anonymizing technology and cryptocurrency payments.