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Showing posts with label Elon Musk. Show all posts
Money Laundering
cryptocurrency Cyber Security CyberCrime Dark Web Elon Musk FBI international cybercrime operation Money Laundering

FBI Operated ElonmuskWHM: Undercover Money Laundering Site That Handled $90M in Crypto

 

In a bold and controversial move, the FBI operated a money laundering platform on the dark web under the alias “ElonmuskWHM,” aiming to infiltrate the criminal ecosystem it served. According to an investigation by 404 Media, the FBI’s undercover cybercrime operation lasted nearly 11 months and facilitated close to $90 million in cryptocurrency transactions. 

The ElonmuskWHM site allowed cybercriminals—including drug traffickers and hackers—to convert illicit cryptocurrency into cash, often mailed discreetly to customers across the country. In exchange, the operator took a 20% fee. The service, regularly advertised on forums like White House Market (WHM), offered anonymity and required no form of identity verification—making it a go-to laundering tool for bad actors avoiding mainstream exchanges like Coinbase or Binance. 

A 404 Media review of court documents and online evidence confirmed the FBI’s direct role in running the site following the arrest of its original operator, Anurag Pramod Murarka, a 30-year-old Indian national. Murarka was eventually sentenced to over 10 years in prison. During its covert management, the FBI used the ElonmuskWHM site to investigate major crimes including drug trafficking, hacking schemes, and even a violent robbery in San Francisco. 

This FBI crypto sting is part of a broader pattern of law enforcement embedding within the digital underworld. Similar tactics were used in previous operations like Trojan Shield, where the agency ran a fake encrypted phone company named ANOM, secretly monitoring global criminal communications. Another example includes the infiltration of the ransomware group “Hive,” enabling the FBI to intercept communications and disrupt attacks. While effective, the ElonmuskWHM sting also sparked privacy concerns. Court documents reveal that the FBI requested data from Google identifying every user who watched a specific YouTube video, raising red flags about surveillance overreach and potential constitutional violations. 

Still, authorities defend such undercover cybercrime strategies as essential to understanding and dismantling complex digital criminal networks. Gabrielle Dudgeon, spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, noted that the operation directly supported multiple federal prosecutions and investigations. As cybercrime becomes increasingly sophisticated, law enforcement agencies are evolving too—blurring ethical lines in the process. The ElonmuskWHM operation underscores the high-stakes chess match between digital criminals and those tasked with stopping them.
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Personal Data
Dark Web Dark website Data Breach Data Brokers Data Leak data security DOGE Elon Musk ParkMobile Personal Data

Dark Web Site DogeQuest Targets Tesla Owners Using Data from ParkMobile Breach

 

A disturbing dark web website known as DogeQuest has surfaced, targeting Tesla owners and associates of Elon Musk by publishing their personal information. The data used on the site appears to have been sourced largely from a 2021 breach of the ParkMobile app, which affected over 21 million users. 

According to privacy research group ObscureIQ, 98.2% of the individuals listed on DogeQuest can be matched to victims of the ParkMobile hack. The site initially operated on the surface web but now functions under a .onion domain, which anonymizes its hosting and complicates takedown efforts by authorities. The purpose of DogeQuest is masked as an “artistic protest” platform, encouraging acts of vandalism against Tesla vehicles. 

Although the site claims neutrality by stating it does not endorse or condemn actions taken, it openly hosts names, home addresses, contact details, and even employment information of more than 1,700 individuals. These include not only Tesla drivers but also DOGE employees, their families, and high-profile individuals from the military, cybersecurity, and diplomatic sectors. The website’s presence has allegedly been linked to real-world vandalism, prompting federal investigations into its operations. 

ObscureIQ’s analysis reveals that the core data used by DogeQuest includes email addresses, phone numbers, and license plate details—information originally accessed through ParkMobile’s compromised Amazon Web Services cloud storage. While ParkMobile claimed at the time that no financial data was exposed, the combination of breached user data and information purchased from data brokers has been enough to target individuals effectively. 

A class-action lawsuit against ParkMobile later resulted in a $32 million settlement for failing to secure user data. Despite the gravity of the situation, no other public reporting had directly connected DogeQuest to the ParkMobile breach until ObscureIQ’s findings were shared. The doxxing platform has evolved into a larger campaign, now also publishing details of prominent federal employees and private sector figures. A spreadsheet reviewed by the Daily Caller News Foundation highlights how widespread and strategic the targeting has become, with individuals from sensitive fields like defense contracting and public health policy among the victims. 

Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and DOJ, are now actively investigating both the digital and physical components of this campaign. Just last week, the Department of Justice charged three individuals suspected of attacking Tesla vehicles and infrastructure across multiple states. However, officials have not yet confirmed a direct link between these suspects and DogeQuest. The FBI has also noted a troubling increase in swatting incidents aimed at DOGE staff and affiliates, indicating that the site’s influence may extend beyond digital harassment into coordinated real-world disruptions. 

With DogeQuest continuing to evade takedown attempts due to its anonymized hosting, federal authorities face an uphill battle in curbing the campaign. ParkMobile has so far declined to comment on the matter. As the scope and sophistication of this doxxing effort grow, it underscores the lingering impact of data breaches and the increasing challenges in protecting personal information in the digital age.
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USAID
Cyber Security Data Leak DOGE Elon Musk Threat Landscape USAID

Threat Analysts Warn of the 'Largest Data Breach' After Elon Musk's DOGE Controversy

 

The debate over Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency continues, with the world's richest man accused of snooping on some of America's most sensitive data. The DOGE has been tasked with reducing government spending by a paltry $2 trillion, which Musk himself admits might be unfeasible. 

However, the billionaire and his crew have lost no time to shed the fat, targeting everything from the National Space Council to USAID. Concerns have been raised regarding the DOGE's level of access, and some staff members have received death threats as a result of the debate.

"You can’t un-ring this bell,” the anonymous source told the local media outlet. Once these DOGE guys have access to these data systems, they can ostensibly do with it what they want." 

Four sources spoke to the local media outlet, but only Scott Cory would go on record. The former CIO for an HHS agency said: "The longer this goes on, the greater the risk of potential fatal compromise increases.” 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Office of Personnel Management, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Treasury have all apparently been accessed by the DOGE. "I don't think the public quite understands the level of danger," a federal agency administrator continued. 

With its newfound authority, the DOGE might prevent payments to government agencies and redirect funds to organisations it chooses. There are concerns that possible access to Federal Aviation could be "dire," even if Musk hasn't altered the current system yet. 

There have also been criticism that he has brought in a young team of technical wizards, but one payment-systems expert remarked that this is actually a good thing: "If you were going to organise a heist of the US Treasury, why in the world would you bring a handful of college students?" He went on to suggest that you'd need numerous people with at least ten years of experience with COBOL. 

Despite not being paid, working 120 hours a week, and sleeping in the offices, DOGE employees have been flexing their muscles to make some significant savings. Looking at the broad picture, one source concluded: "I'd want to believe that this is all so enormous and convoluted that they won't be successful in whatever they're attempting to do. But I wouldn't bet that outcome against their egos.”
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privacy laws
Cyber Security Data Privacy data security Elon Musk Email OPM data breach privacy laws

Federal Employees Sue OPM Over Alleged Unauthorized Email Database

 

Two federal employees have filed a lawsuit against the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), alleging that a newly implemented email system is being used to compile a database of federal workers without proper authorization. The lawsuit raises concerns about potential misuse of employee information and suggests a possible connection to Elon Musk, though no concrete evidence has been provided. The controversy began when OPM sent emails to employees, claiming it was testing a new communication system. Recipients were asked to reply to confirm receipt, but the plaintiffs argue that this was more than a routine test—it was an attempt to secretly create a list of government workers for future personnel decisions, including potential job cuts.

Key Allegations and Concerns

The lawsuit names Amanda Scales, a former executive at Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, who now serves as OPM’s chief of staff. The plaintiffs suspect that her appointment may be linked to the email system’s implementation, though they have not provided definitive proof. They claim that an unauthorized email server was set up within OPM’s offices, making it appear as though messages were coming from official government sources when they were actually routed through a separate system.

An anonymous OPM employee’s post, cited in the lawsuit, alleges that the agency’s Chief Information Officer, Melvin Brown, was sidelined after refusing to implement the email list. The post further claims that a physical server was installed at OPM headquarters, enabling external entities to send messages that appeared to originate from within the agency. These allegations have raised serious concerns about transparency and data security within the federal government.

The lawsuit also argues that the email system violates the E-Government Act of 2002, which requires federal agencies to conduct strict privacy assessments before creating databases containing personal information. The plaintiffs contend that OPM bypassed these requirements, putting employees at risk of having their information used without consent.

Broader Implications and Employee Anxiety

Beyond the legal issues, the case reflects growing anxiety among federal employees about potential restructuring under the new administration. Reports suggest that significant workforce reductions may be on the horizon, and the lawsuit implies that the email system could play a role in streamlining mass layoffs. If the allegations are proven true, it could have major implications for how employee information is collected and used in the future.

As of now, OPM has not officially responded to the allegations, and there is no definitive proof linking the email system to Musk or any specific policy agenda. However, the case has sparked widespread discussions about transparency, data security, and the ethical use of employee information within the federal government. The lawsuit highlights the need for stricter oversight and accountability to ensure that federal employees’ privacy rights are protected.

The lawsuit against OPM underscores the growing tension between federal employees and government agencies over data privacy and transparency. While the allegations remain unproven, they raise important questions about the ethical use of employee information and the potential for misuse in decision-making processes. As the case unfolds, it could set a precedent for how federal agencies handle employee data and implement new systems in the future. For now, the controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding privacy and ensuring accountability in government operations.

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telecoms
Cyber Security Elon Musk Internet Service Providers National Security regulatory measures Satellite Starlink telecoms

Concerns Over Starlink in India: Potential Risks to National Security


As Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, prepares to enter India’s broadband market, think tank Kutniti Foundation has raised significant concerns about its potential risks to India’s national security. A report cited by PTI claims Starlink’s close ties with U.S. intelligence and military agencies could make it a threat to India’s interests. The foundation described Starlink as “a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” alleging that its dual-use technology serves American governmental agendas. Unlike traditional telecom networks operating under Indian jurisdiction, Starlink’s global satellite system bypasses local control, granting operational authority to U.S.-based entities. 

Kutniti suggests this could allow for activities such as surveillance or other strategic operations without oversight from India. The report also highlights that Starlink’s key clients include U.S. intelligence and military organizations, positioning it within what the foundation calls the U.S. “intel-military-industrial complex.” India’s Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia recently addressed these concerns, stating that Starlink must meet all regulatory and security requirements before its services can be approved. He confirmed that the government will only consider granting a license once the platform fully complies with the country’s safety standards for satellite broadband.  

Kutniti’s report also examines the broader implications of Starlink’s operations, emphasizing how its ownership and infrastructure could support U.S. strategic objectives. The foundation referenced U.S. laws that prioritize national interests in partnerships with private enterprises, suggesting this could undermine the sovereignty of nations relying on Starlink’s technology. The think tank further criticized the role of Musk’s ventures in geopolitical scenarios, pointing to Starlink’s refusal to assist a Ukrainian military operation against Russia as an example of its influence. 

Additionally, Kutniti noted Musk’s association with Palantir Technologies, a firm known for intelligence collaborations, as evidence of the platform’s involvement in sensitive political matters. Highlighting incidents in countries like Brazil, Ukraine, and Iran, Kutniti argued that Starlink’s operations have, at times, bypassed local governance and democratic norms. The report warns that the satellite network could serve as a tool for U.S. geopolitical leverage, further cementing American dominance in space and global communications. 

India’s careful consideration of Starlink reflects a broader need to balance the benefits of cutting-edge technology with national security concerns. Kutniti’s findings underscore the risks of integrating foreign-controlled networks, especially those with potential geopolitical implications, in an increasingly complex global landscape.
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Twitter X
Data Breach Digital Platform Digital World Elon Musk global outrage Soical Media Twitter Twitter users Twitter X

Global Outage Strikes Social Media Giant X

The recent global outage of Social Media Platform X caused a stir in the online community during a time when digital media predominates. Users everywhere became frustrated and curious about the cause of this extraordinary disruption when they realized they couldn't use the platform on December 21, 2023.

Reports of the outage, which was first discovered by Downdetector, began to arrive from all over the world, affecting millions of customers. The impact of the outage has increased because Social Media Platform X, a significant player in the social media ecosystem, has grown to be an essential part of peoples' everyday lives.

One significant aspect of the outage was the diverse range of issues users faced. According to reports, users experienced difficulties in tweeting, accessing their timelines, and even logging into their accounts. The widespread nature of these problems hinted at a major technical glitch rather than localized issues.

TechCrunch reported that the outage lasted for several hours, leaving users in limbo and sparking speculation about the root cause. The incident raised questions about the platform's reliability and prompted discussions about the broader implications of such outages in an interconnected digital world.

Assuring users that their technical teams were actively working to repair the issue, the platform's official response was prompt in admitting the inconvenience. Both users and specialists were in the dark, though, as there were few details regarding the precise cause.

Experts weighed in on the outage, emphasizing the need for robust infrastructure and redundancy measures to prevent such widespread disruptions in the future. The incident served as a reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in our dependence on centralized digital platforms.

In the aftermath of the outage, Social Media Platform X released a formal apology, expressing regret for the inconvenience caused to users. The incident prompted discussions about the need for transparency from tech giants when addressing such disruptions and the importance of contingency plans to mitigate the impact on users.

Amidst the growing digitalization of our world, incidents such as the worldwide disruption of Social Media Platform X highlight the vulnerability of our interdependent networks. It's a wake-up call for users and tech businesses alike to put resilience and transparency first when faced with unanticipated obstacles in the digital space.
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Tim Cook
AI AI Threat Apple Artificial Intelligence ChatGPT Elon Musk Steve Wozniak Technology Tim Cook

Apple Co-founder Says AI Could Make Cyber Scams ‘Harder to Spot’


Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak recently cautioned that artificial intelligence (AI) could result in making cyber scams and misinformation more challenging to recognize. 

Speaking to BBC, he further notes that technology may as well be harnessed by “bad actors.” According to Mr. Wozniak, AI contents should well-labelled, and also highlighted the need for proper regulation in the industry. 

In March, Apple, along with Meta CEO Elon Musk signed a letter, urging a halt to the development of more potent AI models. 

Mr. Wozniak, also referred to as Woz in the tech community, is a seasoned veteran of Silicon Valley who co-founded Apple with Steve Jobs and created the company's first computer./ In an interview with BBC Technology Editor Zoe Kleinman, he discussed his fears as well as the advantages of artificial intelligence.

"AI is so intelligent it's open to the bad players, the ones that want to trick you about who they are," said Kleinman. 

AI refers to computer programs that can perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence. This includes systems that can identify objects in images and chatbots that can comprehend queries and provide responses that seem human.

While Mr. Wozniak ardently believes that AI will not be replaying humans, since it lacks emotions. However, he warns against bad actors, since AI is making them more realistic, one example being generative AI ChatGPT that can carve texts which sounds human and “intelligent.”

A Human Really has to Take the Responsibility 

Wozniak believes that any product of the artificial intelligence be held accountable for those who publish it. "A human really has to take the responsibility for what is generated by AI," he says. 

The large tech companies that "feel they can kind of get away with anything" should be held accountable by regulations, according to him.

Yet he expressed doubt that authorities would make the correct decisions, saying, "I think the forces that drive for money usually win out, which is sort of sad."

Technology cannot be Stopped 

Mr. Wozniak, a computer pioneer, believes that those developing artificial intelligence now might learn from the chances lost during the early stages of the internet. Although "we can't stop the technology," in his opinion, we can teach individuals to recognize fraud and other nefarious attempts to obtain personal information.

Last week, the current CEO of Apple, Tim Cook told investors that is crucial to be “deliberate and thoughtful,” is a way to approach AI. "We view AI as huge, and we'll continue weaving it in our products on a very thoughtful basis," he said.  

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Technology
Brain Computer Interface Brain-Like Chip Elon Musk Human Trial Neuralink robotics technology Technology

Musk’s Neuralink Seeks People for Human Trials: Brain-Implant Trials may Start Soon


Elon Musk’s startup, Neuralink, that will involve the cutting edge brain-computer interface (BCI) technology has now reached its next stage where they are now recruiting people for the technology’s first ‘human trial.’

The goal will be to link human brains to computers. The company is planning to test the technology on individuals with paralysis.

Apparently, a robot will be assigned the task of implanting a BCI to human brain, that will allow the subjects to take control of a computer cursor, or type using only their thoughts. 

However, rival companies have already achieved the feet by implanting BCI devices in human. 

Neuralink’s clinical trial has been approved by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May, achieving an important milestone, taking into consideration the struggle it had faced to gain approval for the same.

In regards to this, Neuralink stated at the time that the FDA approval represented "an important first step that will one day allow our technology to help many people."

While the final number of people recruited has not yet been confirmed, according to a report by new agency Reuters, the company had sought FDA’s approval to implant the devices in 10 people ( their former or current employees)./ Brain Signals/ The six year study will commence following a surgery, where a robot will implant 64 flexible threads, thinner than a human hair, on a region of the brain that managed "movement intention."

These enable Neuralink's experimental N1 implant, which runs on a remotely rechargeable battery, to record and transmit brain impulses to an app that decodes a person's intended movement.

Neuralink informs that people are eligible for the trial in case they have quadriplegia resulting from an injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – a disease in which the nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain degenerates.

Precision Neuroscience, developed by a Neuralink co-founder, also aims at assisting those who are paralyzed. And it claims that its implant, which resembles a very thin piece of tape and rests on the surface of the brain, may be inserted via a "cranial micro-slit" in a less complicated manner.

Meanwhile, existing technology is producing results. Implants have been used in two different studies conducted in the US, that aimed to track brain activity during speech attempts, which might later be decoded to aid with communication.

While Mr. Musk’s involvement has played a major role in the raised popularity of Neuralink, he still face rivals, some of whom have a history going back almost two decades. In 2004, Blackrock Neurotech, a company based in Utah, implanted the first of several BCIs.

According to Dr Adrien Rapeaux, a research associate in the Neural Interfaces Lab at Imperial College London, "Neuralink no doubt has an advantage in terms of implantation," taking into account that a majority of its operations will be assisted robotically. 

On contrary, Dr. Rapeaux, co-founder of a neural implant start-up Mintneuro, says that he is not sure how Neuralink’s attempt of converting brain signals into useful actions will do any better than the methods earlier used by Blackrock Neurotech for example. He also doubts if the technology will remain accurate and reliable over time, which is "a known issue in the field."

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