Audio Transcript

Mollie Halpern: In what is the largest coordinated international law enforcement effort targeting an online cyber criminal forum, the FBI and its partners from 20 countries dismantled a forum known as Darkode.

The computer hacking forum was password protected; prospective members had to be invited and were required to prove how they could contribute to the forum’s criminal agenda.

Scott Smith: This underground online forum was a meeting place for those criminals interested in buying, selling, and trading malware, botnets, or stolen personal identifiable information, credit card information, and software that would help facilitate cyber crimes all over the globe.

Halpern: That was Scott Smith, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office, which led Operation Shrouded Horizon, a two-year long undercover operation. Investigators infiltrated Darkode, targeting the most egregious cyber criminals from around the world who believed they were impenetrable. This investigation is ongoing, but so far, a dozen cyber criminals face charges.

Smith: It takes a lot of effort, a lot of patience, and a lot technical savvy. Our agents exemplify what the FBI’s cyber program is all about—to be able to keep up with the current technologies and the most sophisticated cyber criminals.

Halpern: For more information on this operation and the FBI’s Cyber Division, visit www.fbi.gov. With FBI, This Week, I’m Mollie Halpern of the Bureau.

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