The international police operation codenamed “RapTor” has dealt a major blow to the illegal dark web networks, arresting 270 people allegedly involved in illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and counterfeit goods (sellers and customers). The suspects were identified in ten countries through the cooperation of national and international agencies, under the guidance of Europol.
The operation had impressive results. In addition to the arrests, the authorities proceeded to:
- Seizure of over 184 million euros in cash and cryptocurrencies
- Seizure of 2+ tons of drugs (amphetamines, cocaine, ketamine, opioids, cannabis)
- Seizure of 180 firearms and other illegal items
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" Known as Operation RapTor, this international sweep dismantled networks trafficking drugs, weapons and counterfeit products, sending a clear message to criminals hiding behind the illusion of anonymity ," Europol said
Authorities identified the suspects (many linked to thousands of sales on illegal platforms) using information gathered after the takedown of several dark web marketplaces.
The arrests are distributed as follows:
- USA: 130 people
- Germany: 42 people
- United Kingdom: 37 people
- France: 29 people
- South Korea: 19 people
- Netherlands, Austria, Brazil, Spain and Switzerland: 13 people
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Europol said the operation focused on sellers and customers of darknet marketplaces (e.g. Nemesis, Tor2Door, Bohemia and Kingdom Market), which had already been dismantled in previous operations. Authorities used evidence recovered from these infrastructures to identify thousands of transactions and individuals involved.
“ Operation RapTor proves that the dark web is not a safe haven for criminals,” said Edvardas Šileris, head of Europol EC3, adding that cooperation between continents sends a clear message to those who attempt to hide behind the anonymity of the dark web.
The new operation continues the thread from previous operations against the darknet:
- 2020: DisrupTor dislocated 179 vendors
- 2021: Dark HunTOR led to 150 more arrests
- 2022: German police shut down Hydra, the largest darknet marketplace with over 19,000 sellers
- 2023: Operation SpecTor led to 288 arrests
The analysis of the seized digital data continues, with the aim of identifying other members of the networks. Europol states that it is determined to maintain pressure on the digital underworld, noting that the internet is no longer uncontrolled territory.
See also: Arrests of people for crypto investment fraud via AI
The successful dismantling of dark web markets and the arrests of malicious users is a significant victory in the ongoing battle against organized crime. It not only disrupts criminal networks, but also sends a strong message that law enforcement agencies are determined to combat criminals.
However, it is important to recognize that these operations are only one step in the fight against crime. Criminals will always find new ways to adapt and evade authorities. By remaining vigilant, authorities can continue to have a significant impact in disrupting these criminal networks and keeping communities safe.
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Source: www.bleepingcomputer.com
