In a recent development that sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of extensive cybercrime operations, Liridon Masurica, a Kosovo national, has pleaded guilty to running an illicit online marketplace that dealt in stolen data. According to a press release by the U.S. Attorney's Office, the 33-year-old from Gjilan, who operated under the alias "@blackdb," admitted to conspiracy to commit access device fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
BlackDB.cc, the criminal hub managed by Masurica from 2018 through 2025, was a one-stop-shop for cybercriminals hungry for compromised account and server credentials, and personal information, primarily of individuals in the United States, including those located within the Middle District of Florida. Purchased by cybercriminals with intent, these stolen details were then used to perpetrate a host of crimes, from tax fraud to identity theft.
Kosovo Police’s Cybercrime Investigation Directorate, alongside the FBI, spearheaded the operation that eventually led to Masurica's capture on December 12, 2024. The fruitful collaboration resulted in his extradition to the United States, leveraging the existing treaty between the two nations. Although a date has yet to be determined, Masurica awaits sentencing for his crimes.
The collaborative effort spanning international borders reflects the ongoing commitment to cybersecurity and crime prevention. Playing pivotal roles in the apprehension and extradition process, the FBI's Legal Attaché Office in Sofia, Bulgaria and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, with the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo, also contributed significantly, as reported by the Justice Department's news release. Carlton C. Gammons, an Assistant United States Attorney, is in charge of the prosecution.
