Authorities in the United States and across Europe have carried out an international operation, known as Operation RapTor, targeting drug sales on hidden online marketplaces.
The operation, announced on May 22 by the US Department of Justice, led to the arrest of 270 people and the recovery of around $200 million in cash and cryptocurrencies.
It focused on online networks where illegal drugs, especially those containing fentanyl, are often bought and sold. The coordinated effort was carried out with the help of Europol and national law enforcement bodies from ten countries, including the US, UK, France, and Brazil.
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The US team leading Operation RapTor was part of the Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (J-CODE) group. It brings experts from different agencies to track down people using the internet to sell illegal opioids.
In many cases, the teams used evidence gathered from online purchases and digital payment records to find those responsible.
Investigators successfully seized more than two metric tons of drugs. This included 144 kilograms of substances mixed with fentanyl, a powerful opioid linked to rising overdose deaths. They also confiscated 180 guns and large amounts of cryptocurrency linked to these sales.
According to Attorney General Pam Bondi, the results of this operation will help prevent future harm. She added:
Criminals cannot hide behind computer screens or seek refuge on the dark web.
On May 17, police in Hong Kong and mainland China shut down a $15 million crypto laundering ring and arrested 12 people. How did the operation unfold? Read the full story.
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