Sep 23, 2020 21:06:00

179 dark web illicit traders arrested and officials say 'the golden age of the dark web is over'

As a result of the operation ' DisrupTor ' jointly undertaken by the Europol and others to detect illegal activities on the dark web , 179 vendors selling fraudulent products were arrested. The investigation is still ongoing and more than $ 6.5 million has been confiscated.

International sting against dark web vendors leads to 179 arrests | Europol
https://www.europol.europa.eu/newsroom/news/international-sting-against-dark-web-vendors-leads-to-179-arrests

'Disrup Tor' refers to multiple complementary joint operations aimed at hitting the sale of illegal goods on the dark web globally. Coordination was carried out by Europol and the Eurojust, with the participation of law enforcement and judicial authorities from Austria, Cyprus, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.

As a result of this operation, 179 distributors were arrested. The breakdown is 121 in the United States, 42 in Germany, 8 in the Netherlands, 4 in the United Kingdom, 3 in Austria, and 1 in Sweden.

In addition, cash and virtual currency, totaling more than 6.5 million dollars (about 683 million yen), fentanyl , oxycodone , hydrocodone , methamphetamine (stimulant), heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, MDMA, drugs containing addictive substances, etc. 500 kg of drugs and 64 firearms were also seized.

'The announcement sends a strong message to criminals dealing with illegal goods on the dark web. The'hidden internet'is no longer hidden and anonymous activity,' said Edvardas Schrelis, director of the Europol European Cybercrime Center. What I think is not anonymous. The law enforcement agency will do its utmost to track where the criminal is active, whether it is on the street or across the computer. ' Announced.

In a statement, Europol said, 'The golden age of the dark web market is over.' 'The dark web is no longer a fairy tale. Neither sellers nor buyers are hiding in the shadows anymore.' For those who are trying to buy a product anonymously, we show the following three dangers.

Endanger your life: Dangerous drugs, whether fentanyl or fake, can kill you.
・ You will be the victim of a cyber scammer who only targets your money.
・ You will expose your device to harmful malware.