World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
Global dark web crackdown leads to 354 arrests
Police in 14 countries arrested 354 people in Operation Tornado, a crackdown on illegal dark web trading that ran from May 2025 to October 2026.
Europol coordinated the operation, which targeted suspected drug and weapons trafficking and involved both sellers and buyers.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not openly accessible and can be used to hide illegal trade.
Authorities seized nearly six tonnes of drugs, along with firearms and cash and cryptocurrency worth more than €210 million worldwide.
The United States accounted for 132 arrests and more than 4.8 tonnes of seized drugs; 41 people were arrested in Germany.
The operation shows that dark web markets keep adapting even after major marketplaces are shut down.
Europol says criminals are increasingly shifting to smaller platforms and encrypted messaging services, so the crackdown may not end the trade.
Authorities arrested 354 people in a global crackdown on dark web crime called Operation TorNado.
The Europol-coordinated operation ran from May 2025 to October 2026 and involved law enforcement agencies from 14 countries.
Investigators targeted vendors and buyers linked to major dark web marketplaces, as well as people using forums and encrypted messaging services.
Authorities seized drugs, firearms, cash and cryptocurrency, including more than 4.8 tonnes of drugs in the United States.
Europol said dark web marketplaces continue to adapt after takedowns, with criminals shifting to smaller platforms and encrypted messaging services.
- Who
- Police and law enforcement agencies from 14 countries, coordinated by Europol, arrested 354 suspects.
- What
- Operation TorNado targeted dark web vendors and buyers and seized drugs, firearms, cash and cryptocurrency.
- When
- May 2025 to October 2026.
- Where
- Worldwide, including the United States and several European countries.
- Why
- To target cybercrime, drug trafficking and illegal firearms trading linked to dark web marketplaces.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Operation TorNado began.
The operation's investigative period ended.
US and European officials announced the arrests and seizures.
BleepingComputer reported details of the operation.
- Arrests
- 354 suspects
- Participating countries
- 14
- Operation period
- May 2025 to October 2026
- US drug seizures
- More than 4.8 tonnes
- European drug seizures
- Around 950 kilograms
- US firearms seized
- 152
5 sources
Police arrest 354 suspects in dark web cybercrime crackdown
Une opération policière internationale contre le dark web entraîne 350 arrestations
„Operation Tornado“ stellt 210 Mio. sicher - 354 Festnahmen bei weltweiter Darknet-Razzia
354 Verdächtige gefasst: Europols Schlag gegen Darknet-Marktplätze
Global police crackdown on dark web nets 350 arrests
What people are saying
The anonymity you believe protects you is not a shield
The operation highlighted the evolving resilience of dark web marketplaces, which continue to adapt despite takedowns.
Operation TorNado significantly disrupted the online opioid trade and sends a strong message that criminals operating on the Dark Web are not beyond the reach of law enforcement.