Operation Alice, led by Germany with Europol support, shut down more than 373,000 dark web sites that fraudulently advertised CSAM packages and cybercrime-as-a-service through a platform called “Alice with Violence CP” operated by a suspect in China. The scam duped roughly 10,000 users into paying about $400,000 in Bitcoin, authorities seized 287 servers (105 in Germany), issued an international arrest warrant, and highlighted related child protection initiatives. #OperationAlice #AliceWithViolenceCP
Keypoints
- Operation Alice dismantled over 373,000 dark web sites advertising fake CSAM packages.
- The “Alice with Violence CP” platform was run by a 35-year-old suspect based in China and used previews to trick buyers.
- About 10,000 people paid between EUR 17 and EUR 250 in Bitcoin, totaling roughly $400,000, and 440 users were identified across 23 countries.
- Authorities seized 287 servers (105 in Germany) and issued an international arrest warrant for the operator.
- Europol emphasized child protection efforts, including the Help4U support platform and the “Stop Child Abuse – Trace an Object” initiative.