Europol shut down a total of 30,506 web domains and arrested three suspects

Europol disclosed in a press release issued on December 2 that Europol launched an anti-piracy effort in a total of 18 EU countries, destroyed more than 30,500 websites, and arrested three suspects. Although Europol did not disclose the names of these sites, it did say that the action specifically targeted domain names used to distribute counterfeit and pirated items, including pirated movies, illegal television streaming, music, software, electronics, and even counterfeit medicines.

In addition, the police arrested three suspects whose names and extent of their involvement in the operation of the pirated website have not been disclosed. Europol said it froze more than 150,000 euros in bank accounts and online payment platforms and seized 26,000 luxury items.

During the operation, Europol officials conducted a real-time information exchange and cross-checking on the Europol database. Europol did not disclose the names of the banned websites and domain names, so the operation may not have involved many of the world’s major pirated websites.