Europol operation 'TorNado' leads to 354 arrests and €210M+ seized
Operation "TorNado" (May 2025–Oct 2026) involved 14 countries and shut five major dark web markets, authorities say.
Europol coordinated a global police operation that resulted in the arrest of 354 people linked to buying or selling illicit goods on the dark web and the seizure of more than €210 million in cash and cryptocurrencies.
The action, carried out under the code name "TorNado", ran from May 2025 to October 2026 and involved law enforcement and competent authorities from 14 countries. Investigators executed searches at hundreds of locations across multiple continents.
Most arrests took place in the United States (132), followed by 59 in the United Kingdom, 45 in Hungary, 41 in Germany and 11 in Slovenia. Authorities identified suspects after five major dark web marketplaces were shut down.
Scope of seizures in Europe and the United States
In the European countries involved, authorities confiscated a total of 950 kilograms of drugs, including amphetamines, ketamine, MDMA, cannabis and cocaine. Law enforcement also seized more than one million tablets and prescription medicines, 57 items of firearms and ammunition, and over €60 million in cash and cryptocurrencies.
In the United States the operation led to the seizure of more than 4.8 tonnes of drugs, 152 items of firearms and in excess of €150 million in cash and cryptocurrencies.
Investigators targeted both sellers and buyers who operated via internet forums, individual seller online shops and encrypted messaging services. The operation followed the closure of five major marketplaces and the work continues as authorities pursue further leads and dismantle remaining infrastructure.
Photo: press material from the event
