Global operation RapTor dismantles dark web crime network with 270 arrests

In a major coordinated international operation, law enforcement agencies across ten countries have arrested 270 individuals involved in illegal activities on the dark web. The action, codenamed Operation RapTor, targeted both vendors and customers engaged in trafficking narcotics, weapons, and counterfeit goods.

Europol, which coordinated the operation, announced Thursday that the arrests mark a significant blow to the criminal underground operating through anonymous online platforms. Authorities seized over €184 million ($207 million) in cash and cryptocurrency, more than two tonnes of illicit drugs—including amphetamines, cocaine, ketamine, opioids, and cannabis—and more than 180 firearms.

The suspects were identified through intelligence gathered from the takedown of several prominent dark web marketplaces, including Nemesis, Tor2Door, Bohemia, and Kingdom Market. Many of those arrested were linked to thousands of transactions on these platforms. The operation involved national authorities from Europe, South America, Asia, and the United States.

Most arrests occurred in the United States, which accounted for 130 individuals, followed by Germany (42), the United Kingdom (37), France (29), and South Korea (19). An additional 13 suspects were detained across the Netherlands, Austria, Brazil, Spain, and Switzerland.

“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,” Europol stated.

Edvardas Šileris, Head of Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre, emphasized the significance of the operation: “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.”

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (JCODE) team and Europol’s EC3 are continuing to analyze digital evidence obtained in previous investigations to identify further suspects involved in dark web crimes.

Operation RapTor follows a series of successful global crackdowns on dark web markets. In 2023, Operation SpecTor led to 288 arrests and the seizure of €50.8 million ($55.9 million). Earlier efforts include Operation DisrupTor in 2020, which resulted in 179 arrests, and Operation Dark HunTOR, which dismantled 150 high-volume vendors. In April 2022, German and U.S. authorities shut down Hydra, the largest dark web marketplace at the time, which hosted over 19,000 seller accounts and served more than 17 million customers globally.