German Police Dismantle Kingdom Market

German Police Seize Dark Web Marketplace Kingdom Market

International Crackdown on Kingdom Market

German police, in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies, have dismantled Kingdom Market, a notorious dark web marketplace. The operation, led by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) and Frankfurt’s Internet-Crime Combating Unit (ZIT), included authorities from the United States, Switzerland, Moldova, and Ukraine.

What Was Kingdom Market?

Kingdom Market launched in March 2021, becoming a hub for illicit goods and services on the dark web. The marketplace offered:

• Drugs
• Malware
• Stolen data
• Forged documents

By its peak, the platform boasted tens of thousands of customer accounts, with several hundred registered sellers offering over 42,000 items, including 3,600 items from Germany.

Cryptocurrency Payments and Commission System

Kingdom Market allowed transactions using Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), Monero (XMR), and Zcash (ZEC). Operators of the marketplace took a 3% commission on all sales.

"Most recently, over 42,000 products were offered on the marketplace. Tens of thousands of customers and several hundred seller accounts were registered," the BKA stated in a press release.

Arrest of Kingdom Market’s Administrator

On December 15, 2023, US authorities arrested Alan Bill, allegedly known as “Vend0r” or “KingdomOfficial,” believed to be the administrator of Kingdom Market. Evidence from cryptocurrency transactions and IP address usage linked Bill to the marketplace. Key findings include:

• Cryptocurrency transactions tied to Bill's personal wallets.
• Usage of a specific IP address to access both a Kingdom Market Reddit account and Bill’s personal accounts, including his email and cryptocurrency wallets.
• Large unexplained deposits totaling approximately €189,000 into Slovakian bank accounts between November 2021 and April 2023, many of which were in cash.

"A cluster of cryptocurrency transactions used by Kingdom was traced to wallets held by BILL," court documents reveal.

Impact of the Seizure

The shutdown of Kingdom Market is a significant victory in the global fight against cybercrime. It not only disrupted a major platform for illicit trade but also underscores the power of international collaboration in combating darknet marketplaces.

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Summary of Key Details

• Platform Launch: March 2021
• Products Offered: Over 42,000 items (including drugs, malware, and forged documents)
• Cryptocurrencies Accepted: Bitcoin, Litecoin, Monero, Zcash
• Administrator Arrested: Alan Bill (“Vend0r” or “KingdomOfficial”)
• Operation Involved: Germany, US, Switzerland, Moldova, Ukraine