A major international crackdown unmasked and netted 270 suspects of dark web crimes across 10 countries, seizing millions in cash and cryptocurrencies, more than two tonnes of drugs, and over 180 firearms, Europol revealed.
Known as Operation RapTor, the coordinated effort targeted networks trafficking in drugs, weapons, and counterfeit goods hidden behind layers of encryption and cryptocurrency. The suspects were identified through intelligence gathered after the takedowns of four major dark web marketplaces: Nemesis, Tor2Door, Bohemia, and Kingdom Markets.
“Operation RapTor shows that the dark web is not beyond the reach of law enforcement,” said Edvardas Šileris, head of Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre. “Through close cooperation and intelligence sharing, officers across four continents identified and arrested suspects, sending a clear message to those who think they can hide in the shadows.”
The arrests occurred in the United States with 130 suspects, Germany with 42, the United Kingdom with 37, France with 29, South Korea with 19, Austria and the Netherlands with four each, Brazil with three, and Switzerland and Spain with one each.
Alongside the arrests, authorities seized more than 184 million euros ($207.58 million) in cash and cryptocurrencies; over two tonnes of drugs, including amphetamines, cocaine, ketamine, opioids, and cannabis; 180 firearms plus imitation weapons and knives; 12,500 counterfeit products; and more than four tonnes of illegal tobacco. Officials described the haul as a significant disruption to dark web criminal supply chains.
Europol supported the operation by analyzing intelligence from seized marketplaces and coordinating with national authorities through its Joint Cybercrime Action Taskforce, building on last year’s successful Operation SpecTor that led to 288 arrests and ongoing investigations.
Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, praised the operation as proof that criminal gangs operate both offline and online across borders. He emphasized the need for coordinated action and support for law enforcement to remain effective in a changing digital world.
Criminals are increasingly shifting to smaller, single-vendor shops on the dark web to avoid detection, Europol noted. While illegal drugs remain the primary commodity, 2023 saw rises in prescription drug trafficking and scams involving fake services, such as bogus hitmen offers.
Despite these evolving tactics, Europol stressed that no criminal platform is beyond the reach of international law enforcement cooperation.