Dark web crackdown nets 354 arrests, Europol says

Police arrested 354 people and seized drugs, guns, cash and cryptocurrency in a global crackdown on dark web users, Europol said Thursday.

The EU police body said it coordinated the operation, codenamed Operation TorNado, between May 2025 and October 2026. It said police carried out hundreds of raids across the world.

Europol said most arrests were in the United States, with 132, and Britain, with 59.

In Europe, authorities seized nearly one tonne of illicit drugs, including amphetamines, ketamine, MDMA, cocaine and cannabis, Europol said. In the United States, authorities recovered more than 4.8 tonnes of drugs, 152 firearms and 150 million euros, or $166 million, in cash and cryptocurrency, it said.

Police forces in 14 countries were involved, including Australia, France, Germany, Britain and the United States.