Authorities Dismantle Try2Check Card-Checking Platform; $10 Million Bounty on Administrator's Head

Authorities have dismantled the notorious Try2Check card-checking platform, which generated tens of millions of dollars in revenue and enabled cybercriminals to defraud countless victims.

A four-count indictment was unsealed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York, accusing Denis Gennadievich Kulkov of computer intrusion, access device fraud and money laundering. The charges are tied to Kulkov's alleged involvement in operating Try2Check, a leading service that provided "card-checking" to cybercriminals engaged in the illicit trade of stolen credit card information.

The Department of Justice (DoJ) announced the shutdown in a press release describing the shady operations conducted by the illicit platform.

According to the DoJ, Try2Check ran tens of millions of credit card checks annually, supporting the operations of notorious card shops that raked in hundreds of millions in Bitcoin profits.

“Try2Check ran tens of millions of credit card checks per year and supported the operations of major card shops that made hundreds of millions in bitcoin in profits,” the DoJ said in its press release. “Over a nine-month period in 2018, the site performed at least 16 million checks, and over a 13-month period beginning in September 2021, the site performed at least 17 million checks.

“Through the illegal operation of his websites, the defendant made at least $18 million in bitcoin (as well as an unknown amount through other payment systems), which he used to purchase a Ferrari, among other luxury items.”

In coordination with unveiling the charges against the defendant, authorities have taken Try2Check's websites offline. Additionally, the US State Department has announced a $10 million bounty for details that result in the apprehension of Kulkov, the individual accused of administering the platform.

Should Kulkov be proven guilty, a prison sentence of up to 20 years may be imposed. However, it is crucial to emphasize that the indictment's accusations are merely claims at this stage, and Kulkov's innocence is maintained until proven guilty through legal proceedings.