Due to the number of arrests and the size of the seizures, it is one of the largest operations in history. Europol also collaborated with the United States, Brazil, and the United Kingdom.
The European police cooperation agency, Europol, has announced the details of one of the largest operations and strikes against the Dark Web, resulting in the arrest of 288 members of criminal groups working for the illegal platform Monopoly Market. This is considered one of the largest cybercrime arrests in history, with more than €50.8 million in cash and virtual currencies seized, almost one ton of drugs, and over 117 firearms.
The Dark Web is a parallel space to the internet we all know, which can be accessed through a specific web browser. Users can connect and navigate privately and anonymously, and it is generally used to carry out illegal activities.
In an operation organized by Europol with international cooperation from the United States, Brazil, and the United Kingdom, one of the largest Dark Web markets, Monopoly Market, has been seized. Cybercriminals could access this platform to purchase weapons, drugs, and hire various illegal activities.
I see, thank you for the update. In fact, this operation took place in 2021 when the German police seized the Monopoly Market platform, but it is now that Europol has revealed the magnitude of the operation.
"This operation sends a strong message to dark web criminals: international law enforcement has the means and capability to identify and hold you accountable for your illegal activities, even on the dark web," said Europol Executive Director Catherine De Bolle.
According to reports, this is one of the biggest blows to cybercrime in history, with 288 arrests, most of whom operated from the United States (153), the United Kingdom (55), Germany (52), the Netherlands (10), Austria (9), France (5), Switzerland (2), Poland (1), and Brazil (1).
Authorities continue to investigate as it is believed that there are still members of this "gang" who controlled the Monopoly Market website. Additionally, Europol seized more than €50.8 million in cash and virtual currencies, around 850 kilograms of different drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine, MMDA, LSD, and ecstasy, and more than 117 firearms.