FBI, NCA crack down on dark web market
In a global crackdown known as ‘Operation Cookie Monster’, international law enforcement agencies have taken control of a sizable dark web marketplace popular with cybercriminals, according to Britain’s National Crime Agency, NCA.
According to a banner plastered across the company’s website, the FBI seized late on Tuesday. Along with the logo of cybersecurity company Qintel, other police organisations from Europe, Canada, and Australia were also prominently displayed on the website.
“We assess that Genesis is one of the most significant access marketplaces anywhere in the world,” Rob Jones, the NCA’s Director General of Threat Leadership, said.
According to the NCA, the service stored over two million people’s digital fingerprints and about 80 million user credentials.
The operation, which the FBI and Dutch National Police coordinated, involved 17 nations, according to the report. It produced over 200 searches, 120 arrests, and almost 100 instances of “preventative activity.”
In its seizure notice, the FBI indicated that anyone who had gotten in touch with them should “Email us, we’re interested,” indicating that they were also interested in learning more about them.
According to Louise Ferrett, an analyst at the British cybersecurity company Searchlight Cyber, Genesis specialised in selling digital goods, particularly “browser fingerprints” gathered from devices carrying malicious software.
These fingerprints, which frequently contain credentials, cookies, internet protocol addresses, and other information about browsers or operating systems, can be used by thieves to get around anti-fraud measures like multi-factor authentication or device fingerprinting, she said.
The NCA detailed that Genesis made money by selling credentials for prices ranging from $0.7 to hundreds of dollars, depending on the amount of available stolen data.
It said that the investigation also involved the following nations: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 5
Police arrest 11 LAUTECH students over cultism, recover dangerous weapons
Mr Olugbenga stated that all the suspects would be charged to court after investigations are completed.
Heading 1
Saraki to be arraigned July 22 for alleged defamatory remarks against Gov. Abdulrazaq
The court adjourned the matter until July 22, 2026, when Mr Saraki is expected to take his plea after formal arraignment.
States
Lagos hosts South-West workshop on women’s affairs policy
The event brought together representatives from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti.
States
Gov Makinde appoints Olatoye as executive assistant on BESDA
Mr Makinde congratulated him and urged him to be loyal to the state.
Anti-Corruption
Despite FG’s denial, documents show the accountant-general’s office posted foreign affairs officials to PFIPC
The OAGF had also warned that failure by affected officers to comply with the posting directive would attract sanctions.
States
My administration committed to expanding access to clean water in Enugu: Gov Mbah
Mr Mbah said access to clean water remained a top priority of his administration, describing it as a fundamental right rather than a privilege.
