# Investigators suspect US consulting executive helped run ShinyHunters extortion site

_Published Monday, October 19, 2026 at 10:55 AM EDT · Security · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

Federal investigators believe an executive at a US consulting firm helped operate ShinyHunters' victim extortion website, KrebsOnSecurity reports, citing two sources close to the investigation. The now-defunct Shinywire site displayed stolen files and pressured organizations to negotiate ransom payments.

The site operated from approximately May 3, 2026 until October 16 and listed nearly 100 hacked organizations. KrebsOnSecurity withheld the firm's and executive's identities because they have not been charged. Sources said investigators obtained communications with ransomware negotiators after Dutch authorities arrested a suspected ShinyHunters member while he was using Signal.

## Sources

- [Krebs on Security](https://krebsonsecurity.com/2026/10/feds-suspect-ransom-negotiator-ran-shinyhunters-extortion-site/)

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Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/jYWSiTQJjjBon79iJZBwJr
Published: 2026-10-19T14:55:53.089Z
Story chronology: 2026-10-19T13:48:56.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-10-19T18:27:45.800Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)