25-year-old British national Kai West, known as IntelBroker, has been charged with leading a global cybercrime operation that resulted in data theft from many companies and caused over $25 million in damages.
Charges and Arrest
The indictment against Kai West was unsealed in New York. He is accused of conspiracy to commit computer intrusions. West was arrested in France in February 2025 and has been in custody since while U.S. officials work to extradite him.
Activities on BreachForums
West operated under the alias IntelBroker and managed the BreachForums between August 2024 and January 2025. During this time, he allegedly conducted numerous hacks into corporate networks to steal sensitive data such as customer databases and marketing plans, with reports suggesting he offered or sold data over 150 times between 2023 and 2025.
Consequences and Potential Penalties
If found guilty, West could face up to 20 years in prison. His lawyer has not been identified, and French authorities have not commented on the matter. The case is pending in the Southern District of New York.
The case against Kai West raises significant questions about cybersecurity and crime in the digital age. The ramifications of his actions could have a substantial impact on data protection practices within the corporate sector.
