// Spanish and German Authorities Target Dark Web Marketplace CrimeNetwork

Investigation and Arrest

The investigation began in early 2023, after German authorities in Baden-Württemberg requested cooperation to locate a suspected CrimeNetwork administrator. According to statements, the individual, a 35-year-old German national, had established a new online infrastructure for the marketplace shortly after the previous version was shut down in December 2024. Spanish authorities carried out two searches in Mallorca, seizing computers and other devices connected to the operation. Following the arrest, the individual was reportedly brought before judicial authorities and subsequently remanded in custody.

Platform Operations

CrimeNetwork is said to have operated exclusively through the TOR network and used a system where administrators acted as intermediaries for cryptocurrency transactions, receiving commissions from completed trades. The marketplace reportedly offered access to a wide range of services and goods, including narcotics, stolen data, forged documents, and phishing tools. Sources indicate that the platform had previously been active under the same name since 2012 and had built a user base of over 100,000 individuals before being taken offline in February 2024.

International Coordination

Investigations involved cooperation between Spanish authorities, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), and the Baden-Württemberg State Police. In Germany, three searches reportedly led to the arrest of four individuals connected to the platform. The server hosting CrimeNetwork was blocked, and traffic was redirected to a page controlled by German authorities, which presented a video explaining the operation as a preventative measure against cybercrime.

Economic Scale

According to statements from the BKA, the relaunch of CrimeNetwork had generated over €3.6 million in revenue, with sellers paying fees for listings and sales licenses while the administrator received commissions on transactions. The previous version of the site is said to have facilitated sales of at least 1,000 BTC and over 20,000 XMR between 2018 and 2024.

Conclusion

CrimeNetwork is described as one of the primary German-speaking darknet marketplaces, operating under a model referred to as "Crime as a Service." Authorities characterize the platform as a significant hub for illicit trade, while the arrests and server seizures reflect ongoing cross-border efforts to disrupt online criminal activity. Statements from involved agencies emphasize the coordination between Spanish and German authorities, although the information provided reflects their perspective rather than independent verification.