#Police Shut Down Relaunched Crimenetwork Dark Web Marketplace

A German and Spanish operation successfully shuts down a major dark web marketplace.

#Background

Police in Germany and Spain have moved to shut down a new version of the Crimenetwork dark web marketplace. The operation involved collaboration between the Frankfurt am Main Public Prosecutor's Office, the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) in Germany, and the Moldovan National Investigation Inspectorate Center for Combating Cybercrimes.

#Details of the Operation

• A 35-year-old German citizen was arrested in Mallorca, Spain, after building a new online infrastructure for Crimenetwork following the shutdown of its previous version in December 2024.
• The individual is suspected of operating criminal trading platforms and trafficking narcotics.
• The relaunched Crimenetwork had over 22,000 users and more than 100 vendors, generating revenue of over €3.6m ($4.24m).

#Seized Assets and Data

• Police seized €194,000 ($228,400) in assets connected to the site.
• User and transaction data were also seized, which will be used for intelligence gathering and potentially lead to further arrests.

#Impact of the Shutdown

• The shutdown marks a significant blow to cybercrime, with the BKA stating that "cybercrime doesn't pay."
• The administrator of the original Crimenetwork was sentenced to seven years and 10 months in prison, with the court ordering the possession of over €10m.

#Statistics on Crimenetwork's Activity

The site enabled sales of at least 1000 BTC ($96.9m) and over 20,000 XMR ($4m) between 2018-24.

#Statement from BKA Director

• "The relaunch of Crimenetwork has failed, and another administrator will have to answer for his actions in a German court," said Carsten Meywirth, director of the BKA and head of its Cybercrime Department. "We are also consistently enforcing applicable law in the darknet together with our national and international partners."

#Video Details

The BKA released a tongue-in-cheek video in German detailing its efforts, which can be found here: BKA Video Clearnet Link

#Key Takeaways

• The Crimenetwork dark web marketplace has been shut down by German and Spanish police.
• A 35-year-old German citizen was arrested in Mallorca, Spain, in connection with the operation.
• The site generated revenue of over €3.6m ($4.24m) and had over 22,000 users and 100 vendors.
• Police seized €194,000 ($228,400) in assets and user and transaction data.