U.S. Takes Down Notorious Card-Checking Service, Offers $10M Bounty for Operator
U.S. authorities have seized the websites of Try2Check, a notorious card-checking service for cybercriminals. The move comes after a decade-long investigation into the service's operator, Denis Kulkov, who is now the subject of a $10 million bounty. Kulkov, also known as 'Nordex', is accused of making millions from his illegal enterprise.
Try2Check, founded in 2005, became a go-to service for cybercriminals to verify stolen credit card data before using it. It processed over a million transactions monthly, charging 20 cents per check. Kulkov, a Russian national, operated the service under various aliases, including 'KreenJo' and 'Nordex'. His connection to the service was first identified in 2005 on the Russian cybercrime forum Mazafaka.
Investigators linked Kulkov to Try2Check through hacked records, including Russian email services and government databases. They found Instagram and iCloud accounts belonging to him, featuring photos of his luxury cars, a Ferrari and a Land Rover. These purchases were made possible by his illicit earnings, estimated to be at least $18 million. Try2Check became the official card-checking service for several major cybercrime markets, including Vault Market, Unicc, and Joker's Stash.
On May 3, 2023, U.S. authorities, including the Secret Service and the Department of Justice, took down Try2Check's websites. An indictment against Kulkov was unsealed, charging him with operating an illegal service that facilitated millions of dollars in fraud. The U.S. Department of State is offering a $10 million reward for information leading to his arrest or conviction.
The seizure of Try2Check's websites and the indictment of Denis Kulkov mark a significant blow to the cybercrime ecosystem. Authorities worldwide are stepping up efforts to dismantle such services and bring their operators to justice. The $10 million bounty on Kulkov's head underscores the seriousness of his alleged crimes and the determination to apprehend him.
