German Forum Crimemarket Seizedby DARKNETGUIDEBOOK
Following investigations conducted by the Cologne Public Prosecutor's Office and the Düsseldorf Police Headquarters, a large-scale crackdown on suspected Crimemarket users unfolded across Germany. This extensive operation saw the execution of over 100 search warrants in various regions, accompanied by multiple arrests.
Initiated in 2020 by the Düsseldorf police, the investigation into Crimemarket unearthed a hub for illicit activities, ranging from drug and weapon trading to the sale of stolen accounts. With a staggering 180,000 members under scrutiny, authorities delved deep into the forum's activities. The climax of the investigations occurred on February 29, 2024, with the simultaneous execution of 102 search warrants nationwide. The raids yielded a significant haul, including electronic devices, narcotics such as marijuana and ecstasy, and a substantial sum of 600,000 euros in cash and assets.
Six suspects found themselves behind bars following the searches, with the prime suspect, a 23-year-old, apprehended at his residence in North Rhine-Westphalia. Moreover, authorities seized control of Crimemarket's servers and domain, transforming the site into a strategic honeypot to gather further intelligence. Efforts to unravel the identities of the forum's administrators and users persist as investigators sift through the vast trove of data seized during the operation. This decisive action underscores the ongoing commitment to combatting cybercrime and maintaining public safety in the digital age.