Police Dismantle Resurrected ‘Crimenetwork’ Marketplace, Arrest Administrator
German and Spanish authorities have shut down a successor to the Crimenetwork darknet marketplace, arresting its suspected administrator and seizing over €194,000 in assets.
German law enforcement, in coordination with Spanish authorities, has successfully dismantled a resurrected version of the "Crimenetwork" darknet marketplace. The operation resulted in the arrest of a 35-year-old German national in Mallorca, Spain, who is accused of establishing and managing the platform's new infrastructure shortly after the original site was taken down in December 2024 BleepingComputer Help Net Security.
The original Crimenetwork, which operated for over a decade and served as a primary hub for the German-speaking underground economy, was dismantled by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) and the Frankfurt am Main Public Prosecutor’s Office’s Central Office for Combating Internet Crime (ZIT) Help Net Security SecurityWeek. Despite this, the suspect allegedly launched a replacement platform just days later, utilizing entirely new technical infrastructure to continue facilitating the sale of illicit goods, including stolen data, forged documents, and narcotics BleepingComputer SecurityWeek.
The rebooted marketplace quickly gained traction, attracting over 22,000 registered users and more than 100 vendors Help Net Security BleepingComputer. Investigators estimate the platform generated at least €3.6 million (approximately $4.2 million) in revenue through vendor fees and sales commissions SecurityWeek BleepingComputer. Transactions on the site were conducted using various cryptocurrencies, specifically Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Monero Help Net Security SecurityWeek.
During the operation, authorities seized approximately €194,000 (roughly $228,000) in assets linked to the marketplace SecurityWeek BleepingComputer. Furthermore, police secured extensive user and transaction data, which officials intend to use to identify and pursue further investigations into the platform’s participants, who are primarily located in German-speaking countries Help Net Security SecurityWeek.
The arrested administrator now faces serious criminal charges under Section 127 of the German Criminal Code, which covers the operation of illegal trading platforms, as well as violations of Sections 29a and 30a of the German Narcotics Act Help Net Security BleepingComputer. The suspect was apprehended by a special unit of the Spanish National Police acting on a European Arrest Warrant BleepingComputer Help Net Security.
This takedown highlights the persistent nature of underground marketplaces, where operators often attempt to quickly rebuild infrastructure following law enforcement interventions. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by international agencies to disrupt the darknet economy, with officials emphasizing that such criminal enterprises remain a high priority for prosecution Help Net Security BleepingComputer.