In a major cybersecurity operation, Albanian authorities have successfully seized the Rydox cybercrime marketplace and apprehended three administrators. Kosovo nationals Ardit Kutleshi, Jetmir Kutleshi, and Shpend Sokoli were arrested through a coordinated effort between Kosovo law enforcement and Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Body (SPAK).

The marketplace, operational since February 2016, facilitated over 7,600 illegal transactions involving stolen credit card information, login credentials, and personal data of thousands of U.S. citizens. With more than 18,000 users, Rydox offered 321,000+ cybercrime products, including hacking tutorials and spam tools.

The platform operated through cryptocurrency transactions, accepting multiple digital currencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Monero. Sellers paid a one-time fee of $200-500 to operate on the marketplace, receiving 60% of sale proceeds while the platform retained 40%.

U.S. authorities have seized:
– The Rydox[.]cc domain
– Servers in Kuala Lumpur (with Malaysian Police assistance)
– Approximately $225,000 in cryptocurrency

The Kutleshi defendants face multiple charges including:
– Identity theft
– Access device fraud
– Money laundering

If convicted, they could face up to:
– 5 years per identity theft charge
– 10 years for access device fraud
– 20 years for money laundering

This operation represents a significant victory in the global fight against cybercrime, involving collaboration between U.S., Albanian, Kosovo, and Malaysian law enforcement agencies.