Dark web forums play a vital role that goes beyond just chatting; they act as key places for sharing information, building reputations, and conducting transactions. Vendors depend on these platforms to gain credibility, swap market insights, and connect with buyers who are looking for alternatives to traditional marketplaces. As law enforcement tightens its grip on darknet markets, these forums provide a more decentralized and resilient option.

Key Factors and Events Driving the Rapid Growth of New Dark Web Forums in 2025

1. Takedowns of Pre-Existing Forums and Marketplaces

The closure of major forums and marketplaces often leads to the instantaneous and rapid growth of competitor or successor forums, as users and vendors migrate to fill the void.

a) BreachForums (breachforums.st)

The site went offline around mid-April 2025, likely due to a law enforcement operation that took advantage of a MyBB vulnerability. In June, French police arrested key administrators, including those known by their online aliases such as Hollow, Noct, and ShinyHunters.

The forum made a brief comeback but vanished again in August, with ShinyHunters stating that law enforcement had taken control.

b) XSS (xss.is)

In July 2025, Ukrainian authorities took action, seizing control after a coordinated effort with French authorities and Europol. An alleged administrator was arrested, effectively shutting down a significant Russian-language hub that dealt in stolen data and malware.

In June 2025, a massive law enforcement initiative across Europe, known as Operation Deep Sentinel, successfully dismantled the Archetyp Market. The market had been operating for over five years, attracting more than 600,000 users and handling over €250 million in transactions, mostly related to illegal drugs such as fentanyl.

Authorities from Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Romania, and the U.S. all played a role in this operation. A 30-year-old German man, believed to be the market’s administrator, was apprehended in Barcelona, Spain, where officials also confiscated €7.8 million in assets.

d) Operation RapTor

Before the takedown of Archetyp, May 2025 marked a significant international effort known as Operation RapTor. This operation led to the arrest of 270 individuals across ten different countries. It specifically aimed to dismantle fentanyl and other drug distribution networks, resulting in the seizure of over $200 million in cryptocurrency, cash, and various contraband items.

e) Abacus Market

In early July 2025, Abacus Market, which had risen to prominence as the leading Western darknet market following the shutdown of its competitors, unexpectedly went offline. Many believe that the administrators carried out an exit scam, making off with users’ funds rather than it being a straightforward law enforcement bust, although a secret seizure has not been completely dismissed.

Abacus was estimated to have a total sales volume ranging from $300 to $400 million in cryptocurrency.

f) BidenCash

In June 2025, a major crackdown led to the shutdown of BidenCash, a notorious marketplace for stolen credit card information. This operation was a collaborative effort between U.S. and European law enforcement agencies.

Authorities seized multiple domains and officially announced the closure of the site, which had been responsible for trading over 15 million stolen credit card details.

Notable New and Rapidly Growing Forums Emerging in Late 2024 and 2025

DarkForums: This platform experienced massive growth, reportedly over 600% between April and June 2025, largely due to the disruption of the prominent BreachForums. It focuses on leaked databases, stealer logs, and malware distribution and has attracted a large user base by offering an alternative to the defunct site.

LeakBase: Launched in 2021, LeakBase specializes in the discussion and trading of corporate data breaches and credential dumps. Its specific niche and strong community involvement provide a concentrated source of intelligence on data trafficking.

STYX Market: While technically a marketplace rather than solely a forum, STYX has gained significant traction since 2023. It specializes in cybercrime-as-a-service, exploit kits, and stolen financial data. Its professional interface and focus on high-value transactions attract serious threat actors.

Exodus Marketplace: Emerging in early 2024, Exodus focuses on selling stealer logs harvested from compromised devices. It has grown in popularity following the takedown of the similar Genesis Market and operates on an invite-only basis to manage its community.

Dread Forum Founded in 2018, Dread is one of the largest dark web forums in existence today. The forum hosts multiple sub-communities where users discuss topics ranging from data leaks to illegal drug sales.

Despite the predominance of illicit activities, Dread also hosts discussions related to privacy and cybersecurity, reflecting the diverse range of topics covered on dark web forums.

Exploit.in: Founded in 2005, Exploit.in is another prominent Russian hacker forum. Operating on both the dark web and the surface web, it serves as a hub for malicious actors seeking to buy and sell exploits, malware, and stolen data.

The forum is notorious for its role in facilitating unauthorized access to networks and distributing malware.

The overall dark web ecosystem remains robust and increasingly professionalized, with these platforms offering a wide range of illicit goods and services, from stolen data to hacking tools. While law enforcement efforts often lead to temporary disruptions, users quickly migrate to alternative platforms, ensuring the continuity of the ecosystem.

The Importance of Forums in the Dark Web Economy

Dark web forums have always served a purpose beyond just being places for discussion; they are vital centers for sharing information, building reputations, and making transactions. Vendors depend on these platforms to establish their credibility, share market insights, and connect with buyers outside of traditional marketplaces. With law enforcement tightening its grip on larger darknet markets, forums provide a decentralized option that promotes resilience.

Why New Forums Are Drawing in Vendors

1. Enhanced Security and Privacy Features

Many of the newer forums are all about top-notch encryption, advanced anonymity measures, and thorough vetting processes to ensure that only trusted members can join. This focus gives vendors peace of mind, allowing them to conduct sensitive business without the fear of being exposed.

2. Decentralization and Resilience

Unlike older forums that have fallen victim to shutdowns or hacks, these new platforms often use decentralized or federated systems. This makes them far tougher to take down and more appealing to vendors looking for long-term stability.

3. Improved User Experience and Support

Modern forums are focusing on better interfaces, mobile-friendly layouts, and active moderation to create a smoother user experience. Vendors appreciate spaces that enable clear communication, transparent management, and reliable dispute resolution — all while maintaining anonymity.

4. Niche Focus and Specialized Communities

New forums are also appearing with niche orientations — dedicated to specific product categories, geographic regions, or shared interests. This specialization allows vendors to connect with more targeted audiences, strengthening community bonds and mutual trust.

Emerging Forums to Watchout in 2026

While some classic darknet forums still hold their ground, newer platforms like ShadowTalk, CipherMarket Hub, and DarkNet Nexus have been gaining remarkable traction in 2025. These communities highlight a broader shift toward privacy-first architecture, decentralized frameworks, and improved usability that puts users at the center.

What This Means for Buyers and Researchers

For buyers, these forums represent new gateways to vendors and products that may no longer exist on traditional marketplaces. However, with greater fragmentation in the ecosystem, caution and research are key. Buyer verification tools and reliable reputation systems are now more essential than ever.

For researchers, analysts, and digital security experts, these rising forums serve as a goldmine for understanding how darknet economies evolve, adapt, and respond to increasing global enforcement efforts.

Conclusion

The rise of new forums attracting vendor communities underscores the darknet’s incredible adaptability. As enforcement pressures grow, these spaces evolve to meet the demand for security, privacy, and decentralized communication. For vendors, they offer safer and more resilient environments to operate within. For the broader darknet community, they mark another chapter in the ever-changing, complex story of the underground economy.

FAQ

What Is the Dark Web, and How Does It Differ from the Deep Web and Surface Web?

The surface web is what most people are familiar with—the part of the internet that is indexed and easily searchable, such as Google and YouTube. The deep web includes non-indexed pages, such as email inboxes and online banking portals. The dark web, by contrast, is a small, intentionally concealed portion of the deep web that can only be accessed using specialized software like the Tor Browser.

Is It Illegal to Visit Dark Web Forums?

Generally speaking, simply accessing the dark web is not illegal in most jurisdictions. However, engaging in illegal activities—such as purchasing stolen data or illicit goods—can lead to serious legal consequences.

How Do I Access the Dark Web, and What Software Do I Need?

To access the dark web, you typically need specialized free software such as the Tor Browser (The Onion Router). Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is also recommended for additional security and anonymity.

What Kind of Content and Activities Can Be Found on Dark Web Forums?

Content on dark web forums varies widely, ranging from legitimate discussions for journalists and activists to illicit activities, including the sale of stolen credentials, personal data, hacking tools, and illegal goods or services.

How Safe Is It to Browse Dark Web Forums, and What Are the Risks?

While browsing the dark web is not inherently dangerous, it attracts cybercriminals who may attempt to distribute malware or steal personal information. It is generally advisable to avoid browsing unless you have a specific, legitimate purpose and take appropriate security precautions.

Can I Buy Stolen Credit Card Information or Personal Data on Dark Web Forums?

Yes, it is unfortunately true that stolen credit card numbers, passwords, and other sensitive personal information are frequently traded on underground marketplaces and forums.

How Do Dark Web Forums Work?

Dark web forums function similarly to regular online forums, such as Reddit, but they operate on anonymous networks like Tor. These forums often have strict entry requirements, including invite-only access or membership fees paid in cryptocurrency. They also use reputation systems to help users build trust with one another.

Are “Red Rooms” or Hitmen for Hire Real on the Dark Web?

Most experts consider these to be internet myths or scams designed to deceive individuals into sending money. There is little credible evidence supporting their existence or successful operation through online platforms.

Are There Legitimate Uses for Dark Web Forums?

Yes. Dark web forums can serve as platforms for free speech, provide anonymous communication channels for journalists and whistleblowers, and help individuals living under heavy censorship access unrestricted information.

How Can I Protect My Personal or Company Data from Appearing on Dark Web Forums?

Effective protective measures include using strong, unique passwords managed through a password manager, enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA), and using dark web monitoring services to determine whether your data has been compromised.

At torzle.app, we’re committed to tracking these developments, providing verified directories, and offering tools to help users safely explore the evolving dark web landscape.