Kosovo Hacker Pleads Guilty to Running BlackDB Cybercrime Marketplace
A shocking turn of events has unfolded in the world of cybercrime as Kosovo national Liridon Masurica, also known online as @blackdb, has pleaded guilty to running the notorious BlackDB.cc marketplace. This cybercrime haven has been active since 2018, offering a treasure trove of stolen data and compromised accounts to unsuspecting victims worldwide.
On December 14, 2024, Masurica was arrested by Kosovar authorities, marking a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to combat online crime. His extradition to the United States on May 9, 2025, set the stage for a dramatic showdown with law enforcement. Following his court appearance in Tampa on May 12, Masurica is now facing detention as he awaits the outcome of his case.
The BlackDB Marketplace: A Hub for Cybercrime Activity
The Justice Department has revealed that BlackDB.cc was more than just a platform – it was an extensive marketplace where cybercriminals could buy and sell illicit goods. Compromised accounts and server credentials, stolen credit card information, and personally identifiable information (PII) belonging to victims worldwide were all up for sale on this infamous online bazaar.
According to court documents, the BlackDB marketplace had a particular focus on individuals from the United States, with cybercriminals using this sensitive information for various illicit activities, including credit card fraud, tax fraud, and identity theft. The sheer scope of this operation is staggering, with Masurica at the helm as its lead administrator.
Charges and Consequences
Masurica has been charged with five counts of fraudulent use of unauthorized access devices and one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum sentence of 55 years in federal prison – a formidable penalty that underscores the seriousness of this case.
A Global Effort: Collaboration Between Agencies
The FBI coordinated the investigation with the Kosovo Police's Cybercrime Investigation Directorate, receiving support from the Department of Justice's Office of International Affairs and the FBI's Legal Attaché Office in Sofia. This marked a significant demonstration of global cooperation in the fight against cybercrime.
A Growing Trend: Shutdowns and Arrests
In December 2024, a joint law enforcement operation led to the seizure of the Rydox cybercrime marketplace and the arrest of three of its admins. German law enforcement officers had previously shut down Crimenetwork and Manson market, the country's largest online cybercrime marketplace, while Ukrainian authorities arrested the suspected administrator of the Russian-speaking hacking forum XSS at the request of the Paris public prosecutor's office.
Earlier this year, five operators of the BreachForums hacking forum were reportedly detained in France. These developments underscore the ongoing efforts to dismantle these illicit operations and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
A Call to Action: Staying Safe in the Digital Age
The Picus Blue Report 2025 has revealed a stark reality – nearly half of environments had passwords cracked, with 46% of settings breached. This alarming trend highlights the importance of vigilance and robust security measures in protecting against cyber threats.
Other Developments in Cybercrime
US charges have been issued against admin of LockerGoga, MegaCortex, Nefilim ransomware. Furthermore, US sanctions have been imposed on cyber scammers who stole billions from Americans. Microsoft has announced a free year of Microsoft 365 Personal for US students. Additionally, Texas has sued PowerSchool over breach exposing 62M students and 880k Texans. The US has also offered a $10 million bounty for information on Russian FSB hackers.