Global Europol crackdown knocks over 373,000 dark web sites offline

Europol's 'Operation Alice' dismantled a massive dark web scam network, shutting down 373,000 sites and seizing 105 servers. The network, 'Alice with Violence CP,' was run by a Chinese individual since 2019 and offered CSAM and cybercrime-as-a-service. Despite making $400,000 from 10,000 customers, the operation was a fraud, and no illegal material was actually delivered. Law enforcement agencies from 23 countries, including the US HSI and UK NCA, participated in the crackdown, which concluded on March 19, 2026. Investigations are ongoing into 440 customers who attempted to buy illicit material.