FAQ

What is Operation SpecTor?

Operation SpecTor resulted from the seizure of the criminal infrastructure of Monopoly Market, an illegal marketplace on the dark web. This illegal marketplace, which had a strict invite-only policy and only traded drugs, was taken offline in December 2021. Based on the resulting evidence, Europol's European Cybercrime Center (EC3) has compiled information packages. These packages formed the basis for criminal investigations in various countries.

What is Operation Dark HunTor?

Operation Dark HunTor stems from the takedown in year 2021 of DarkMarket, the world’s then-largest illegal marketplace on the dark web. At the time, German authorities arrested the marketplace’s alleged operator and seized the criminal infrastructure, providing investigators across the world with a trove of evidence. Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) has since been compiling intelligence packages to identify the key targets.

What is Operation DisrupTor?

A coalition of law enforcement agencies across the world announced the results of a coordinated operation known as DisrupTor which targeted vendors and buyers of illicit goods on the dark web. This operation follows the takedown in 2019 of Wall Street Market, the world’s then second largest illegal online market in the dark web.

My username is falsely mentioned

If you think that this website mistakenly mentions your username on this website please get in touch with the Dutch police.

How have you identified me?

The Dutch police and judicial authorities actively investigate criminal offences, also at Dark Markets. We don’t make statements about how we do that.

Is the use of Dark Markets punishable?

Especially illicit goods or services are being advertised at a Dark Market. Offering or taking up these kinds of goods or services is punishable.

How are the police and judicial authorities active at Dark Markets?

The Dutch police and judicial authorities actively investigate criminal offences, also at Dark Markets. We work together with investigation services in other countries, among others through Europol.

What sentence can you get as vendor at Dark Markets?

That depends on the kind of goods or services you offer. In the Netherlands the maximum sentence for international hard drugs trafficking for example is twelve years. For arms trafficking this is eight years.

Can I pass on anonymous information about a vendor at a Dark Market?

Yes, by getting in touch with the Team Criminele Inlichtingen of the Dutch police through +31-(0)79 345 8999. You can also use ‘Meld Misdaad Anoniem’, an independent party who guarantees anonymity at all times.

Are you against Tor?

No, the Dutch police and judicial authorities are not against the anonymous use of the internet, encryption or TOR. We only act when these techniques are being used for committing criminal offences.