A British national identified as Kai West, known in cyber circles as “IntelBroker,” has been indicted by the U.S. federal authorities for his role in a massive cybercrime operation that is said to have resulted in approximately $25 million in damages.
The indictment, announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, accuses the 25-year-old West of engaging in a systematic campaign to steal sensitive data from various entities, including government agencies, corporations, and critical infrastructure. This data was reportedly sold on the BreachForums hacking forum, with stolen information including health records and proprietary files from telecommunications and cybersecurity firms.
West’s actions have linked him to significant data breaches affecting high-profile organizations such as Europol, General Electric, Weee!, AMD, HPE, Nokia, and DC Health Link.
The indictment comprises four counts, charging West with conspiracy to commit computer intrusions and wire fraud, among other allegations. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. The Department of Justice has indicated its commitment to prosecuting cybercriminals, emphasizing West’s significant impact on victims across the globe. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated, “The IntelBroker alias has caused millions in damages to victims around the world,” reiterating the government’s ongoing efforts to hold such criminals accountable.
West was reportedly arrested in France in February 2025, and U.S. authorities are in the process of seeking his extradition to face charges in New York. The investigation into his activities involved tracing the digital footprints left behind from his operations, revealing a network that leveraged stolen identities and data to further his pursuits.
The recent indictment highlights the ongoing challenges posed by cybercriminal activities that target individuals and organizations alike, with increased scrutiny on the methods and legal frameworks necessary to combat such threats effectively. In a related development, four individuals were apprehended in France this week, linked to the operations of BreachForums, further illuminating the network of cybercriminals that pose risks to global cybersecurity.