In the realm of brand protection, uncovering the obscured details of domain registrations and the individuals behind potentially fraudulent activities is a challenging endeavour. At Cybertrace, our expertise in brand protection, cyber fraud and related criminal investigations often leads us into the depths of the digital underworld. This blog post explores a detailed case study involving the investigation of two domains, bebi.com and animefreak.tv, which exemplifies our ability to navigate through complex webs of cyber information and privacy shields. This particular investigation was initiated due to a breach of copyright and intellectual property belonging to Crunchyroll, a company that owns extensive copyrights and intellectual property. The case underscores the critical need for vigilant brand protection in the digital age, where intellectual property can be easily compromised across international boundaries.
The Challenge of Domain Privacy
The brand protection investigation began with the realisation that the current registrants for both Bebi.com (website taken down)and Animefreak.tv (now Animefreak.to) were hidden through privacy services, a common practice for both legitimate privacy reasons and to evade detection in less scrupulous activities. This anonymity poses a significant hurdle for cyber investigators, requiring sophisticated tools and techniques to peel back the layers of secrecy.
Tools of the Trade
To tackle these challenges, a range of specialised tools were deployed for creating visual maps of connections between different pieces of online information, revealing relationships and patterns that weren’t immediately obvious.
Discovering Connections
The analysis revealed that Animefreak.tv was linked to several other domains such as Upload2.com, Mangareader.net, and Animepremium.net. This indicated a network of sites possibly under common administration or ownership, hinting at a coordinated operation spanning multiple domains and content types.
Key Figures
Central to this brand protection investigation were Alper [Surname Removed] and Ufuk [Surname Removed], whose names recurrently appeared in connection with the domains under scrutiny. Historical data linked Alper with the registration of Animefreak.tv, while Ukuk was found to be the administrator for Bebi.com and a director of Bebi Media Limited. Both individuals’ connections to the domains suggested significant roles in the operation of the websites.
Geographical and Corporate Ties
This brand protection investigation spanned across international borders, with operational traces leading to Turkey and China, and an unconfirmed connection to Estonia. These findings illustrate the global nature of cyber operations and the jurisdictional challenges they pose.
While the case study for Bebi.com and Animefreak.tv provided extensive insights into the operational links between various domains and identified key players potentially involved, it also highlighted the inherent challenges in proving direct ownership and administration of websites used in potentially illicit activities. The case remains open-ended, demonstrating the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between cybercriminals and investigators in the digital realm.
This case study offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of cyber investigations and serves as a reminder of the continuous need for advanced tools and techniques to combat the ever-evolving tactics of cyber operators worldwide.
Why the Suspects are Believed to be Linked
- Alper and Ufuk are repeatedly associated with the domains bebi.com and animefreak.tv, both through direct and indirect digital evidence. Their names appear in domain registration data and various linked entities. They are also identified as directors and administrators of related companies and websites.
- Their associations are further evidenced by digital fingerprints across multiple websites, suggesting operational linkages between them and the websites in question.
- Additional connections were made through email addresses and phone numbers that tie these individuals to the domains and companies involved in the investigation, establishing a pattern of involvement in activities related to these websites.
How They Were Identified
Domain Registration Tools:
The investigation utilised domain registration lookup tools which indicated that domains were registered under privacy protection services, but historical data linked back to the suspects.
Digital Forensics Tools:
Specialist analytical tools were used to trace and analyse connections between websites and the suspects helping to link the suspects to the operations of the websites.
Social Media and Professional Network Investigations:
Social media accounts provided additional background information on their professional roles and connections to the companies involved.
Database Searches:
Databases open source records were crucial in confirming the personal details and professional affiliations of the suspects.
Countries They are Believed to Live In
As highlighted in this case study, Ufuk is believed to reside in Shanghai, China. This is supported by several records, including his social media profiles and professional links indicating his presence and business operations in China.
Alper is believed to be currently located in the Ankara region of Turkey. His connections to various Turkish addresses, historical domain registrations, and social media profiles suggest his presence in Turkey.
Cybertrace demonstrated exceptional capabilities in brand protection by cracking a complex cyber investigation, as evidenced by their meticulous approach in the case involving bebi.com and animefreak.tv. Their adept use of advanced digital forensics tools, deep understanding of cyber legal frameworks across borders, and proficient use of open-source intelligence underpin their ability to protect brands in the digital domain. This case study not only showcases their ability to navigate through layers of privacy protection and international jurisdiction but also highlights their expertise in identifying and linking suspects to fraudulent activities online. For organisations concerned with brand protection, Cybertrace offers a robust solution, ensuring that digital assets are safeguarded against fraudulent schemes and unauthorised exploitation, preserving both the integrity and the value of the brand in the global market.
Tags: Case Study, Brand Protection, Intellectual Property, Animefreak.tv, Bebi.com
