Europol smashes dark web drug networks, arrests 270 vendors and buyers

Cops are claiming to have "struck a major blow to the criminal underground" after arresting 270 suspected web vendors and buyers across 10 countries.

Europol said its Operation RapTor dismantled networks selling drugs, weapons and counterfeit goods. Officers seized tons of illegal substances during their swoop.

The goal of the massive coordinated operation was to "send a clear signal to criminals" who believe that anonymity can cloak their legal operations.

The suspects were identified from intelligence gathered during takedowns of the dark web marketplaces Nemesis, Tor2Door, Bohemia and Kingdom Markets.

Europol claimed some of the suspects had conducted thousands of sales, using encryption tools and cryptocurrencies to cover their tracks.

"This operational model, also used in 2023’s Operation SpecTor, demonstrates that the takedown of a criminal platform is not the end of the story — it is the beginning of follow-up investigations aimed at identifying and arresting high-value vendors," Europol wrote.

Shining a light on the dark web

The international action follows Operation SpecTor in 2023, which led to 288 arrests and demonstrated "the increasing ability of law enforcement to penetrate the dark web’s cloak of secrecy", the continental cops added.

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

READ MORE: Hidden threats: Shedding light on dark web dangers

Investigations are ongoing to trace and apprehend even more individuals involved in the sale or purchase of drugs or other illegal goods.

Edvardas Šileris, Head of Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre, said: "Operation RapTor shows that the dark web is not beyond the reach of law enforcement.

"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. Europol will continue working with our partners to make the internet safer for everyone."

No more hiding in the shadows for dark web drug dealers?

Officers also seized:

• More than £150 million in cash and cryptocurrencies.
• Over 2 tonnes of drugs, including amphetamines, cocaine, ketamine, opioids and cannabis.
• 12,500 counterfeit products.
• Over 180 firearms, along with imitation weapons, tasers and knives.
• More than 4 tonnes of illegal tobacco.

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

READ MORE: Inside the shadowy world of dark web Initial Access Brokers

Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, said: "This operation is proof of how criminal gangs operate today: offline and online, internationally and locally, using technology to their full advantage. To counter this, coordinated action is essential."

In response to police pressure, drug vendors are changing their behaviour and opening small independent shops run by individual sellers to minimise visibility avoid marketplace fees.

"Illegal drugs remain the top commodity sold on the dark web, but 2023 also saw a surge in prescription drug trafficking and a rise in fraudulent services, including fake hitmen and bogus listings designed to scam buyers," Europol wrote.

Do you have a story or insights to share? Get in touch and let us know. 

Follow Machine on X, BlueSky and LinkedIn