In June 2025, four individuals were apprehended by the French cybercrime unit in connection with the operation of BreachForums, a marketplace for illicitly obtained personal data. This operation has seen stolen information from various organizations traded on a daily basis. The suspects are also thought to have connections to ShinyHunters, a notorious hacking group recognized for its involvement in data breaches and extortion efforts over the past six years.
This investigation was significantly bolstered by international collaboration, notably with evidence provided by the FBI. The original creator of BreachForums was arrested in 2023, but subsequent attempts to shut down the site failed, as it quickly reemerged under new management. Following another shutdown in May 2024, the site resurfaced at a different location.
The FBI's alert to French authorities in August 2024 regarding potential French involvement initiated the inquiry that culminated in the recent arrests. The continuing saga of ShinyHunters highlights its extensive connections within France and its broader implications on a global scale.