In one of the largest global crackdowns on dark web crime to date, Europol’s Operation RapTor led to 270 arrests across ten countries, dismantling networks involved in trafficking drugs, weapons, and illicit goods. With over €184 million seized and more than two tonnes of narcotics confiscated, the operation underscores growing international cooperation in the battle against anonymous online crime.
Dark Web No Longer in the Shadows: A Decade of Takedowns Reaches New Peak
An international law enforcement operation codenamed Operation RapTor has dealt a powerful blow to global cybercrime, resulting in the arrest of 270 individuals involved in buying and selling illegal goods on the dark web. Led by Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) and supported by agencies from the U.S., Europe, Asia, and South America, the sweep seized over €184 million ($207M) in cash and cryptocurrency, two tonnes of narcotics, and 180 firearms.
The arrests spanned ten countries, with the United States leading with 130 suspects, followed by Germany (42), the United Kingdom (37), France (29), and South Korea (19). Other arrests occurred in the Netherlands, Austria, Brazil, Spain, and Switzerland.
The operation drew on intelligence gathered from previous dark web takedowns—Nemesis, Tor2Door, Bohemia, and Kingdom Market—and utilized digital forensics and cross-border intelligence sharing to trace high-volume vendors and buyers.
“This international sweep has dismantled networks trafficking in drugs, weapons, and counterfeit goods,” Europol stated, “sending a clear signal to criminals hiding behind the illusion of anonymity.”
Criminal Commerce Exposed: Drugs, Guns, and Crypto Laundering
Among the most striking statistics was the sheer volume of illicit substances recovered: amphetamines, ketamine, cocaine, opioids, and cannabis—many prepared for export. Analysts suggest the haul was enough to supply hundreds of thousands of end users, underlining the scale of these underground marketplaces.
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Law enforcement also recovered over 180 illegal firearms, highlighting the dark web’s growing role in arms trafficking. The seized cryptocurrency—carefully laundered through anonymizing mixers and wallets—reveals the sophistication of the financial layer underpinning these criminal ecosystems.
The suspects, many of whom operated under pseudonymous vendor accounts, were linked to thousands of sales on illegal platforms. Their arrest deals a blow not only to supply chains but also to the digital infrastructure that has allowed cybercriminals to thrive.
The Long Game: Global Coordination and a Decade of Progress
Operation RapTor follows in the footsteps of major dark web stings including Operation SpecTor (2023), which resulted in 288 arrests, and Operation DisrupTor (2020), which saw 179 vendors apprehended. The closure of Hydra in 2022, the world’s largest darknet marketplace, was another milestone, disrupting over 19,000 seller accounts.
Edvardas Šileris, Head of Europol’s EC3, emphasized the cross-continental collaboration behind RapTor:
“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 U.S. DOJ’s JCODE team, in partnership with Europol, is continuing forensic analysis of evidence from prior takedowns to identify additional suspects. Officials say this multi-layered strategy—combining real-world arrests with digital infrastructure disruption—is proving effective.
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