Unraveling Cryptocurrency Repercussions: The Arrest of IntelBroker
In January 2023, a significant breakthrough was made in the fight against cryptocurrency-enabled crime. Known as IntelBroker, the culprit was identified through an undercover operation where he accepted Bitcoin instead of the more anonymous Monero for a controlled purchase.
This case marks a shift in law enforcement's approach to cryptocurrency crimes. It combines advanced blockchain analytics with strategic undercover operations and international cooperation. The takedown of IntelBroker serves as a reminder that cryptocurrency does not guarantee anonymity, especially when interacting with regulated exchanges.
The Bitcoin address provided by IntelBroker revealed his complete financial infrastructure. This led investigators to uncover a web of transactions connecting multiple exchanges to West's real identity. Using tools like Reactor, they traced cryptocurrency flows, revealing operational security failures such as accepting Bitcoin instead of Monero, publicly advertising cryptocurrency addresses, and using personal information for exchange accounts.
The Bitcoin address had received funding directly from Ramp exchange, and the withdrawal was made by an account associated with 'Kai Logan West'. OSINT researchers identified an associated email address ([email protected]) and discovered West's LinkedIn profile, revealing his previous work as a Security Researcher Trainee at the National Crime Agency.
The blockchain's immutable ledger serves as a powerful tool for justice in the digital age. Modern blockchain intelligence platforms offer comprehensive transaction mapping, real-time risk assessment tools, cross-reference analysis capabilities, and standardized intelligence formats for international information sharing.
Cybercriminals are evolving their techniques, and law enforcement must continue advancing analytical capabilities and cooperation frameworks. Lessons from the IntelBroker investigation will inform future efforts against data breach marketplaces, ransomware operations, and other cryptocurrency-enabled crimes.
In 2025, the cryptocurrency platform Tornado Cash was affected by measures against data trading in collaboration with international authorities. This coordinated operation involved French authorities, U.S. prosecutors, and cryptocurrency exchanges.
Five administrators of BreachForum, including Shinyhunter, Noct, Depressed, and IntelBroker (Kai West), were arrested in an international operation on June 25, 2025. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York unsealed charges against Kai West in June 2025.
An Ethereum address IntelBroker advertised sent all funds to Changelly exchange. Cross-referencing revealed the same Bitcoin address had interacted with Coinbase and CSGO500, an online cryptocurrency casino.
For investigators, our website provides a full suite of blockchain intelligence capabilities to uncover, pursue, and disrupt criminal operations. The 2025 Crypto Crime Report, available at our website, contains informational material but does not provide legal, tax, financial, or investment advice.
