Germany seizes €23 million-worth bitcoins, shuts down ‘Hydra’ market
German police have shut down Hydra, the world’s largest illegal dark web marketplace, and seized 543 bitcoins with a total value of around €23 million.
On Tuesday, Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office, the Bundeskriminalamt (BKA), announced the takedown of Hydra, the world’s largest dark web marketplace.
“The Frankfurt am Main Public Prosecutor’s Office – Central Office for Combating Cybercrime ( ZIT ) – and the Federal Criminal Police Office ( BKA ) today, Tuesday, secured the server infrastructure in Germany of the world’s largest illegal Darknet marketplace ‘Hydra Market’ and thus closed it,” the BKA said in a press release. “Bitcoins amounting to currently the equivalent of approximately €23 million were seized, which are attributed to the marketplace.”
The police said the crackdown on the marketplace followed extensive investigations conducted by the BKA and the ZIT since August 2021.
It also added that U.S. authorities had been involved in the investigation, though the agencies were unnamed.
The Russian-language Darknet platform was launched via the Tor network in 2015, focusing on trading in illegal narcotics and serving as a platform for data, forged documents and other illicit digital services.
The police noted that 17 million customers and over 19,000 seller accounts were documented on the marketplace.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Ex-Ogun governor Gbenga Daniel’s wife loses 93-year-old mother
The statement noted, “She was a devoted Christian of the Baptist denomination until her passing, and her life stood as a quiet testament to devotion, family, and enduring values.”
States
British Fencing president predicts wider medal spread at Lagos Commonwealth Championships
The British Fencing president also commended the Nigeria Fencing Federation for its progress in organising international competitions over the past five years.
States
Islamic society rallies support for APC candidate ahead of Osun governorship poll
Mr Oyebamiji urged eligible voters to vote for him.
NationWide
NERC net billing rules will boost renewable energy adoption: Experts
Mr Akinrolabu said the framework adopts a net billing model rather than net metering.
Heading 4
Adeniran, Ogunye, others seek prosecution of Tinubu’s ex-minister Nnaji over certificate forgery allegation
Mr Oshoma urged the government to review official actions and decisions taken by Mr Nnaji as minister.
Heading 1
Trump thanks FIFA for lifting Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension ahead of Belgium showdown
Balogun has been the standout man for the United States of America at the World Cup, scoring three goals so far.
