Darknet Diaries · Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Jack Rhysider explained how the FBI set up a dark web credit card exchange honeypot as part of Operation Card Shop. Michael Hogue, co-creator of Blackshades, submitted his malware to become a vendor on the forum, providing investigators with clear evidence of criminal intent that led to his 2012 arrest.
“In 2012 the FBI decided to go on the dark web and build their own stolen credit card exchange. They were hoping thieves would come and sell stolen cards and people would buy them, and then the FBI would catch them in the act.”
“The FBI couldn't believe Michael sent them his malware. This was clear evidence of his intent, to sell Blackshades to criminals.”