Global Dark Web Operation Results in 270 Arrests

A recent extensive law enforcement initiative aimed at disrupting the trafficking of fentanyl, opioids, and other illicit goods and services on the dark web has led to the arrest of 270 individuals involved in dark web transactions across four continents. This operation, conducted under the name Operation RapTor, was spearheaded by Europol and included collaboration from government agencies in ten countries: Austria, Brazil, France, Germany, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and the US.

The identification of suspects was facilitated through a combination of coordinated investigations and intelligence-gathering efforts stemming from previous operations targeting various dark web marketplaces, such as Nemesis, Tor2Door, Bohemia, and Kingdom Markets. Many of the arrested individuals had engaged in thousands of transactions on illicit platforms, employing encryption technologies and cryptocurrencies to obscure their activities.

To support the takedown efforts, Europol assembled and analyzed intelligence packages derived from data connected with three recently seized marketplaces. These intelligence packages were subsequently distributed to national authorities within the framework of the Joint Cybercrime Action Taskforce, located at Europol’s headquarters, allowing for focused investigations.

Additionally, the operation enabled the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to impose sanctions against Behrouz Parsarad, an Iranian national connected to Nemesis Market. A federal grand jury in Ohio’s Northern District issued an indictment for Parsarad on narcotics trafficking charges linked to his dark web operations.

The scale of the operation also resulted in the seizure of $184 million in cash and cryptocurrencies, alongside a record quantity of illegal drugs, firearms, and proceeds from drug trafficking. Notable seizures included:

– Over two tons of various narcotics, including amphetamines, cocaine, ketamine, opioids, and cannabis.
– Over 180 firearms, imitation weapons, tasers, and knives.
– 12,500 counterfeit goods.
– More than four tons of illegal tobacco.

The outcomes of Operation RapTor signify a shift within the dark web’s operational landscape, as many criminal actors now prefer smaller, independent shops to avoid marketplace fees and reduce the likelihood of detection, a trend highlighted in recent reports. Edvardas Šileris, Head of Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3), underscored that despite these developments, law enforcement agencies continue to maintain effective operational capabilities within dark web spaces, evidenced by the resourcefulness demonstrated during the operation.

Operation RapTor builds upon the foundation laid by Operation SpecTor, which took place in 2023 and resulted in 288 arrests, the seizure of $53.4 million in cash and cryptocurrencies, as well as the confiscation of 850 kg of drugs and 117 firearms. This ongoing momentum in international law enforcement cooperation serves as a robust message to those engaged in illicit activities on the dark web, reinforcing the notion that these environments are not beyond the reach of justice.