$ 10 million for the head of the creator of Try2Check
US security forces stopped Try2Check. The service used by cybercrime to verify stolen credit card details has been working properly since 2005 and brought in at least $18 million to its creator.
18 years old and full criminal liability
US law enforcement agencies neutralized the Try2Check cybercriminal platform and filed charges against a Russian citizen Denis Kulkov . IN U.S. Department of Justice report it is called the creator and operator of Try2Check.
Denis Kulkov
The New York District Court issued an arrest warrant for Kulkov. He is charged with fraud using access tools, unlawful interference in the operation of computer systems and money laundering – a total of up to 20 years in prison. There is little hope that the Russian will be brought to justice: he lives in Samara, and detention is possible only if he goes abroad.
The Try2Check service was used to check stolen credit card information to see if it was still usable.
The service was launched in 2005, was very popular with cybercriminals and allegedly brought the defendant multimillion-dollar income.
Try2Check’s regular customers included major markets on the dark web, including Joker’s Stash.
“ Tens of millions of credit card data passed through Try2Check every year; with his support, the largest credit card trading platforms that earned hundreds of millions of dollars in bitcoins functioned, the press release of the US Department of Justice states. – During nine months in 2018, the site verified at least 16 million cards, and within 13 months from September 2021 – at least 17 million. Illegal transactions on this site brought the defendant at least $18 million in bitcoins (and also an unknown amount in other payment systems), which allowed him to purchase a Ferrari car and other luxury goods.
Denis Kulkov, a 43-year-old Russian resident, owns and operates Try2Check, a web-based platform that allows cybercriminals to check whether stolen credit card details are up to date or not.
In addition, the service helped attackers sell stolen data to other scammers at a higher price. Try2Check charged 20 cents for checking the card.
USA also offer a separate reward of up to $1 million for information that helps identify other key leaders in the Try2Check platform.
Although the prosecutor’s office for the Eastern District of New York issued an arrest warrant for Kulkov, accusing him of fraud with unauthorized access devices, computer penetration and money laundering, it is unlikely that Kulkov will be detained if he does not leave Russia.
The information that formed the basis of the indictment was obtained by the US authorities through cooperation with law enforcement agencies in Germany and Austria.
For information that will allow Kulkov to be arrested, reward offered in the amount of $10 million. If arrested and extradited to the United States, the accused faces up to 20 years in prison. Kulkov currently lives in Russia.
Scale of the disaster
The cybercriminal network allegedly belonging to Kulkov has been liquidated. The DOJ publication states that it “enabled the functioning of the global market for stolen cards”.
“ The liquidation of this service can only be welcomed, but Try2Check is not the only platform that allows you to check large amounts of data on stolen credit cards, says Nikita Pavlov, an information security expert at SEQ. “Cutting off one head from this hydra will not slow down the activities of those who use such sites too much. In addition, it is possible that the accused will very quickly create an alternative to Try2Check.
In 2021, a Gemini Advory publication listed eight cybercrime screening services that were active at the time. Apart from Try2Check, it includes 4Check, Best Check, Bit2Check, LuxChecker, Par Checker and Undefined. At least some of these sites are still in operation today.
The publication of the US Department of Justice indicates that among the victims of Try2Check was a large American processing company, whose resources and services were used by the criminal resource.