The durability of these markets tells us that if policing responses keep following the same playbook, they will keep getting the same results. And by focusing so heavily on these hidden platforms, authorities are neglecting the growing digital harms in the spaces we all use. The website operated in a format similar to other e-commerce platforms, with product listings, ratings, and user profiles. Vendors offered a range of drugs, including cannabis, cocaine, MDMA, LSD, benzodiazepines, and methamphetamine.17 Substances could be searched for by category, place of origin, and destination. Eurojust ensured the international investigation was efficient and effective. The Agency organised multiple coordination meetings, which enabled authorities to exchange critical information for the investigation.
Operation RapTor: The Largest Darknet Takedown In History
I’m now following how President Trump’s tariffs will affect the industry. I’m always eager to learn more, so please jump in the comments with feedback and send me tips. I also cover cyber threats, from ransomware gangs to the emergence of AI-based malware.
A 30-year-old German national suspected of being the site’s administrator has been arrested in Spain. Authorities in Germany and Sweden targeted one moderator and six of the biggest vendors. According to Europol, this kind of cross-border cooperation has proven to be one of the most effective tools in targeting online criminal infrastructure. As more dark web vendors and buyers rely on anonymizing tools and cryptocurrencies, investigators are adjusting their methods, using advanced analytics and joint operations to keep pace.
- Police in Germany add that as many as 3,200 vendors are registered on Archetyp.
- While few details have emerged about the other arrests, dark web users quickly began to analyze the now-removed official video of the operation released by the BKA.
- The Archetyp Market takedown comes at a time of continued growth and transformation in the digital drug trade.
- I also cover cyber threats, from ransomware gangs to the emergence of AI-based malware.
- Illicit drug sales, for example, are promoted on social media, where platform features such as recommendation systems are affording new means of illicit drug supply.
Nexus Market
I think there is a lot of potential in various mind altering substances. Investigations are ongoing and may lead to additional arrests or prosecutions. Authorities emphasized that cooperation across borders, combined with targeted technical expertise, played a critical role in the platform’s closure. Jean-Philippe Lecouffe, Europol’s Deputy Executive Director of Operations, said the removal of Archetyp Market sends a clear message to online drug traffickers. Anyone who still has access (or claims to have access) is accessing a fake site designed to steal users funds. Archetyp also has a Vendor stores section, which allows you to search all the vendors on the marketplace.
Important Archetyp: Market Links
In five years I’ll run the biggest drug market, while maintaining highest security and quality standards. We have a lot planned with Archetyp, and we continue to always improve. I think all drugs should be legalized, while I would want harder punishments for Fraud. We should not ban dangerous substances, but educate about them.
Authorities from Europol, Eurojust and the United States assisted with the investigation. Furthermore, the operation highlights the evolving tactics law enforcement employs to infiltrate and dismantle these encrypted networks. Deploying 300 officers across multiple countries simultaneously is a logistical feat, reflecting a high level of international cooperation.
Ukrainian Ransomware Fugitive Added To Europe’s Most Wanted
Archetyp Market mirrors are extra Tor URLs that kick in when the main link takes a break. Server hiccups, DDoS attacks, whatever—mirrors keep you in the game. They’re just as good as the real thing, with all 200,000+ listings and escrow deals intact. Join a vibrant community of users who share their experiences and tips.
One Line Of Malicious Npm Code Led To Massive Postmark Email Heist
Investigators say they were able to identify individuals behind the platform by tracing digital forensic evidence and observing how money moved through both crypto and traditional financial systems. In some cases, established sellers on closed-down markets are welcomed onto new markets as digital “refugees” and have joining fees waived. In some cases, established sellers on closed-down markets are welcomed onto new markets as digital “refugees” and have joining fees waived.
Police Shut Down Long-running Dark Web Drug Market
They back a $50 million ecosystem with 200,000+ listings and a tight community. Load balancing splits traffic across mirrors, so nothing breaks. They sync with the main database live, keeping your listings and wallet up to date. Copy these Archetyp Market mirrors into Tor Browser to stay connected. Unlike some shaky darknet spots, Archetyp uses mirrors to stay solid. They’re checked daily, packed with PGP encryption and 2FA—same as the main site.
Aside from the banner, which bears the logos of participating agencies, authorities also published a video to amplify the operation’s visibility. Europol supported the investigation from the outset, facilitating the exchange of intelligence, conducting extensive cross-checks and helping to identify high-value targets. On the action days, Europol deployed a dark web specialist to Germany and set up a virtual command post to coordinate field activities and ensure real-time deconfliction across jurisdictions. Based on chatter in vendor “proof-of-life” posts, Abacus and Drughub are emerging as the likely successors to Archetyp. Abacus, while notoriously difficult to access due to aggressive CAPTCHA and account requirements, is seeing a surge in mentions.
Ares Market
It offers complete, real-time data protection against viruses, worms, spyware, Trojans, zero-day exploits, ransomware, rootkits, and other digital intrusions. Its key features include network threat prevention, behavioral detection for active apps, cryptomining protection, ransomware protection, and AI-fueled scam detection. Just weeks before Archetyp’s takedown, Europol coordinated Operation Endgame, a large scale effort targeting ransomware affiliates and infrastructure, leading to multiple arrests and the dismantling of servers used by major threat groups. The data will soon be able to be downloaded, I will enable the export of HTML / Plaintext (with BBCode) so the knowledge can be archived in case this market goes down. It’s encouraged by us to create backups and maybe even host backups of it.
Flugsvamp Market
Archetyp provided a platform for the trade of drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, and synthetic opioids. Archetyp was shut down as a result of actions carried out by law enforcement between June 11 and 13. Authorities in Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Romania and Sweden participated in the operation that targeted people and technical infrastructure. We verify all links to ensure they point to the legitimate services they claim to represent. However, we cannot guarantee the safety or legitimacy of the services themselves.
When Archetyp went fully offline in June 2025, it triggered the same recovery reflexes seen after past collapses. But this time, however, the process was faster and on a larger scale. Within hours, vendors were resurfacing on forums, scrambling to reconnect with buyers, showing proof of their identities and reassuring business continued as usual. In parallel, many began migrating to alternative markets, initially Abacus and TorZon Market, which became early landing zones.
