A global law enforcement operation coordinated by Europol has struck a major blow to the criminal underground, with 270 arrests of dark web vendors and buyers across ten countries. Known as Operation RapTor, this international sweep has dismantled networks trafficking in drugs, weapons, and counterfeit goods, sending a clear signal to criminals hiding behind the illusion of anonymity.

The suspects were identified through coordinated investigations based on intelligence from the takedowns of the dark web marketplaces Nemesis, Tor2Door, Bohemia and Kingdom Markets. Many had conducted thousands of sales on illicit marketplaces, using encryption tools and cryptocurrencies to cover their tracks — but law enforcement closed in.

This international action follows Operation SpecTor in 2023, which led to 288 arrests. Together, these operations show the increasing ability of law enforcement to penetrate the dark web’s cloak of secrecy.

Dark web vendors unmasked

The 270 arrests took place in the following countries:

• United States of America: 130
• Germany: 42
• United Kingdom: 37
• France: 29
• South Korea: 19
• Austria: 4
• The Netherlands: 4
• Brazil: 3
• Switzerland: 1
• Spain: 1

Investigations are ongoing to trace and apprehend more individuals involved in dark web crime.

Millions seized, weapons recovered

In parallel with the arrests, officers seized:

• Over EUR 184 million in cash and cryptocurrencies
• Over 2 tonnes of drugs, including amphetamines, cocaine, ketamine, opioids and cannabis
• Over 180 firearms, along with imitation weapons, tasers and knives
• 12 500 counterfeit products
• More than 4 tonnes of illegal tobacco

These seizures represent a major disruption to the criminal supply chains that feed the dark web economy.