Global law enforcement concludes Operation TorNado against dark web networks

Law enforcement agencies from 14 countries have concluded a major international crackdown on illegal dark web activities, codenamed Operation TorNado. The operation, coordinated by Europol, was conducted between May 2025 and October 2026, targeting digital marketplaces used for the distribution of illicit goods.

The global effort resulted in the arrest of 354 individuals and the seizure of substantial quantities of firearms, cash, and narcotics. Authorities in the United States led the arrest counts with 132 detainees, followed by the United Kingdom (59), Hungary (45), Germany (41), and France (23). Seizures were significant, with over 4.8 tonnes of drugs and 152 firearms recovered in the US, alongside 150 million euros in combined cash and cryptocurrency. European authorities confiscated nearly one tonne of various substances, including amphetamines, ketamine, MDMA, cocaine, and cannabis.

FBI Deputy Director Christopher Raia noted that the operation addressed urgent public safety threats, specifically the trafficking of fentanyl. Europol stated that while the crackdown successfully dismantled key network components and identified major vendors, the dark web continues to demonstrate resilience by adapting to such disruptions.