Europol arrested 354 suspects and seized drugs, weapons, and money in an operation against trafficking on the dark web

Police forces from 14 countries arrested 354 people and seized significant quantities of drugs, firearms and money as part of Operation TorNado, an international investigation targeting illegal dark web marketplaces. Coordinated by Europol, the operation took place between May 2025 and October 2026 and included hundreds of interventions in several regions around the world.

The highest numbers of arrests were reported in the United States – 132, the United Kingdom – 59, Hungary – 45, Germany – 41 and France – 23. In Europe, authorities seized nearly one tonne of drugs, including amphetamine, ketamine, MDMA, cocaine and cannabis.

In the United States, more than 4.8 tonnes of drugs, 152 firearms and the equivalent of approximately 150 million euros in cash and cryptocurrencies were seized. The FBI said the investigation focused particularly on trafficking in fentanyl and other lethal substances.

Europol warned that dark web marketplaces continue to adapt following the dismantling of several networks. Participants in the operation identified major suppliers and disrupted the infrastructure used to distribute drugs.