The German police announced they dismantled the largest German-speaking illegal trading platform called “Crimemarket,” which offered goods ranging from drugs and weapons to illegal services such as money laundering, instructions on cybercrime activities and “real crime,” up to commissioned crimes.
The platform, available both on the dark web and clear web, had over 180,000 registered users, the police said.
The police officers conducted a total of 102 searchers nationwide, with three alleged Crimemarket’s operators, including the 23-year-old main suspect, arrested and numerous pieces of evidence seized. These include mobile phones, IT equipment, and data carriers.
In 21 cases, the police in North Rhine-Westphalia seized narcotics, including 1 kilogram of marijuana and various ecstasy tablets. A total of almost 600,000 euros in cash and movable assets were confiscated.
The police have also seized the site’s domain address.
The investigation into the sellers and users of the illegal platform is continuing.