Interior Ministry and FBI crack down on illegal “OLVX” marketplace, criminal complaint filed against 20-year-old from Tetovo

A joint operation by the Ministry of Interior and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) led to the identification of the administrator of the illegal online marketplace “OLVX,” where stolen personal data, login credentials and tools for carrying out cybercrimes were traded.

The Cybercrime and Digital Forensics Sector within the Ministry of Interior has filed a criminal complaint with the Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Tetovo against E.A. (20), from the village of Rečica e Madhe. He is suspected of “computer fraud,” “misuse of personal data” and “the production and distribution of child pornography.”

The investigation began following information obtained from the FBI, which served as the basis for a joint and coordinated operation to document criminal activity on the “OLVX” platform, the Ministry of Interior said.

Materials collected by the authorities show that, from 2023 to 2025, the suspect managed domains and websites linked to the platform. They served as an online marketplace offering stolen data, computer programs and services for carrying out cyberattacks and cybercrimes.

The main users of “OLVX” were individuals engaged in criminal activities online who traded personal data and credentials for accessing users’ accounts or victims’ computer networks. During the platform’s period of operation, more than 1,500 stolen credentials were offered.

The investigation also established that the suspect administered an illegal group on “Telegram” called “ONEMILI,” an activity that took place during 2025–2026. Software tools and services for computer-related crimes were distributed in the group, including fraudulent schemes for the illegal recovery of financial funds.

The authorities also secured evidence that, through “Telegram,” the suspect obtained and kept for personal use materials containing the sexual abuse of children.

The Ministry of Interior described this as its first joint and coordinated operation with the FBI in the field of cybercrime. According to the ministry, the action represents a significant development in strengthening international cooperation against organized cybercrime.

The Cybercrime and Digital Forensics Sector will continue working to prevent and combat cybercrime, protect personal data and enhance citizens’ security in the digital environment, the Ministry of Interior said.

The ministry stressed that cooperation with the FBI demonstrates the necessity of international coordination in tackling transnational cybercrime, conveying the message that the internet cannot be used as a refuge for criminal activity.