Based Apparel, an online clothing store linked to FBI Director Kash Patel, appears to have gone offline after reports emerged that its website was distributing wallet-draining malware.
Security researchers warned that macOS visitors were prompted to install so-called "ClickFix" malware by copying and pasting a command into their terminal. This infostealer malware could compromise session tokens, browser data, and cryptocurrency wallets.
MetaMask users received a warning pop-up when visiting the site, flagging it as "potentially deceptive" and warning of malicious transactions that could result in stolen assets.
The site now displays a message saying "the store will be back online shortly-bolder than ever."
It remains unclear whether the apparent compromise led to significant financial losses. The site typically receives an estimated 33,600 monthly visits.
Based Apparel is owned by Patel and Andrew Ollis, who serves as CEO of the Kash Foundation. Although Patel founded the nonprofit, he is no longer affiliated with it, according to the organization's website.
This is not the first time Patel has been linked to crypto-related issues. Previously, after Iranian hackers leaked his personal email and burner username, a wave of Patel-themed meme coins appeared on Pump.fun.