Europol halts Manson Cybercrime Marketplace in major international operation

The officials seized over 200 terabytes of digital evidence

Europol, working closely with authorities from several European countries, has successfully ended the operations of the Manson Market.^[1] This online platform was a major hub for cybercrime, offering stolen data and personal details that helped criminals commit fraud around the world. By carefully planning and acting together, law enforcement agencies delivered a strong message that illegal online activities will not go unpunished.

The investigation began in late 2022 after reports of suspicious phone calls. Victims believed they were speaking with their banks, but they were actually talking to criminals who pretended to be trusted employees.

These fraudsters asked for sensitive details, such as home addresses and security answers, using this information to break into online accounts. This alarming method drew attention and led investigators straight to the Manson Market.

Several countries, including Germany, Austria, Finland, the Netherlands, Czechia, and Poland, joined forces to track down the operators and dismantle the network.

During these coordinated raids, officials seized more than 50 servers and a huge amount of digital evidence – over 200 terabytes. The success of the operation was made possible by strong international cooperation, showing that cybercriminals cannot hide behind borders or technology.

The platform was used by criminals to carry our targeted scams and set up fake online stores

Manson Market set itself apart by allowing criminals to select stolen data based on specific criteria, such as region or the amount of money in a victim’s account. This made fraudulent activities more efficient and profitable.

Thousands of users gathered on the platform, finding valuable information that allowed them to carry out targeted scams and theft. The setup was designed to encourage repeat business, helping criminals refine their methods over time.

To obtain even more sensitive details, the marketplace’s operators ran a network of fake online shops. These looked like legitimate stores, but once visitors entered their payment information, it fell straight into the hands of the fraudsters. This approach made it easier for the criminals to collect fresh details and resell them, causing serious financial damage to many unsuspecting victims.

The platform also had a presence on other online channels, such as Telegram groups, where stolen credit card details were occasionally given out for free.^[2]

By offering such data at no cost, the operators attracted more attention and built a large community of users. This open sharing not only boosted the popularity of the marketplace but also encouraged greater criminal activity.

Two suspects are in custody

With Manson Market offline, law enforcement now holds detailed records of user communications, transactions, and other critical information. This evidence will help identify more suspects and strengthen upcoming court cases. The authorities have also arrested two primary suspects, both currently in pretrial detention, ensuring that those believed to be behind the criminal operation will face justice:^[1]

The two main suspects – a 27-year-old and a 37-year-old – were arrested in Germany and Austria respectively under European arrest warrants and are currently in pretrial detention.

Many victims suffered serious losses. Investigators say that at least 57 people lost a combined amount of over 250,000 euros.^[3] The criminals’ profits, made possible through sales of stolen data and other illegal activities, are now at risk as the authorities look to recover assets and disrupt further operations.

Europol’s efforts to tackle cybercrime go beyond this single marketplace. Recent action against other platforms, including separate illegal marketplaces and encrypted communication channels, shows a broader commitment to dismantling digital criminal networks.