Global operation takes down dark web drug marketplace Monopoly Market
Related: 288 dark web vendors arrested in major marketplace seizure (Europol)
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Source: Associated Press
Global operation takes down dark web drug marketplace
By MIKE CORDER
May 2, 2023
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Law enforcement agencies around the world seized an online marketplace and arrested nearly 300 people allegedly involved in buying and selling drugs, European Union law enforcement agency Europol said Tuesday.
The worldwide operation targeting the “Monopoly Market,” coordinated by Europol, is the latest major takedown of sales platforms for drugs and other illicit goods on the so-called dark web, a part of the internet hosted within an encrypted network and accessible only through specialized anonymity-providing tools.
“Our coalition of law enforcement authorities across three continents proves that we all do better when we work together,” Europol’s Executive Director, Catherine De Bolle, said in a statement. “This operation sends a strong message to criminals on the dark web: International law enforcement has the means and the ability to identify and hold you accountable for your illegal activities, even on the dark web.”
Europol said that 288 suspects were arrested and more than 50.8 million euros ($53.4 million) in cash and virtual currencies, 850 kilograms of drugs, and 117 firearms were seized in a series of raids in several countries.
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Read more: https://apnews.com/article/darknet-arrests-drugs-marketplace-europol-e4ed2ebe9438c7f8db0ad9bfa8289488