LeakBase marketplace unplugged by cops in 14 countries

By Howard Solomon for CSO
Friday, March 6, 2026

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However, one expert says IT leaders shouldn’t hold out much hope that, with this data, law enforcement authorities may be able to warn organizations that they’ve been hacked, or use the data to help victim firms plug vulnerabilities.

“In the current climate of the geopolitical turbulence, data sharing between law enforcement and private sector is quite unlikely,” said Ilia Kolochenko, CEO of Swiss-based Immuniweb. “Moreover, in many jurisdictions, such data sharing may be illegal as it almost inevitably contains data stolen from third parties.”

While this operation “marks another remarkable victory of law enforcement over global cybercrime,” he added, “practical benefits will probably remain modest.

“First, the most dangerous and active cyber mercenaries and state-backed hacking groups are well prepared for a possible seizure of such marketplaces, and leave virtually no digital traces or other incriminating evidence that could help identify them.

“Second, even if due to a mistake or omission some cybercriminals will be unmasked, most of them enjoy immunity in non-extradition jurisdictions. Finally, clandestine operators of such marketplaces almost always have a backup and Plan B, swiftly resurrecting like a hydra within several days or weeks.

“In sum, while this operation sends a strong signal that cyber offenders will be prosecuted, global cybercrime will continue as usual,” he said. Read Full Article