Major Dark Web Crackdown Nets Millions and Scores of Arrests
The National Crime Agency (NCA), working closely with UK police and international partners, has smashed a massive dark web drug and crime ring. Over £220,000 in suspected criminal cash and bitcoin were seized, alongside more than 50 kilos of cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, methamphetamine, and ketamine in just six months.
Operation Dark HunTOR: How It All Unfolded
The crackdown, dubbed Dark HunTOR, kicked off after German police arrested the alleged operator of a notorious dark web marketplace earlier this year. This breakthrough allowed authorities to infiltrate the wider criminal network and share crucial intelligence globally.
- Countries involved: Australia, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, USA
- International coordination led by Europol and Eurojust
- So far: 150 suspects arrested, €26.7 million (£22.5m / $31m) seized in cash and crypto
- Drugs confiscated: 234 kg including 152 kg amphetamine, 27 kg opioids, 25,000+ ecstasy pills
- Firearms seized: 45 weapons
UK’s DICE Team Leads the Charge
The UK’s Dark Web Intelligence, Collection and Exploitation team (DICE) analysed UK data to pinpoint the highest-risk dealers. They passed intel to Regional Dark Web Operations Teams, leading to arrests across the country.
“The individuals we have targeted who are supplying drugs via the dark web are ultimately preying on the vulnerable and destroying communities.” — Damian Barrow, Senior NCA Manager, Dark Web Intelligence
Message to Dark Web Criminals: You Will Be Caught
Phil Donnelly, National Cybercrime Programme lead for the Darkweb, added: “This operation highlights how law enforcement is hitting criminals using the dark web and encrypted platforms hard.”
Europol’s Deputy Executive Director of Operations, Jean-Philippe Lecouffe, warned: “Operations like this send a clear message — the global law enforcement community can unmask and hold dark web criminals accountable, no matter how hidden they think they are.”
This sweeping international effort shows the dark web’s days as a safe haven for criminals are numbered.
