Europol traces over €47 million in crypto to disrupt digital piracy networks

Europol has made a major move against Crypto-funded digital piracy, tracing over €47 million and targeting illegal streaming services in a high-profile international operation.

Between 10 and 14 November, Europol, in collaboration with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and Spain’s Policía Nacional, hosted the “Intellectual Property Crime Cyber-Patrol Week” at the EUIPO headquarters in Alicante. Thirty investigators used advanced Open-Source Intelligence techniques (OSINT) and cutting-edge tools online to track intellectual theft across Europe.

Cyber-Patrol Week: Key Results

The operation had a significant impact on the piracy network:

• 69 sites identified as being targeted For potential intellectual property infringements

• 25 illicit IPTV services disrupted Referrals to crypto service providers

• Additional 44 sites are being investigated

These 69 sites are estimated to attract 11.8 million visitors annually, a clear indication of the illegal nature of streaming. Investigators traced cryptocurrency transactions worth around USD 55 million (over €47 million) linked to these services, with several cases still under active investigation.

Cyber-Patrol Week revealed a trend that is growing: criminals use cryptocurrency more and more to make payments, mistakenly thinking it will guarantee anonymity. Investigators have countered the trend by buying services using crypto, identifying illegal operators and reporting them to large exchanges and specialist partners.

This method disrupts the revenue networks of piracy network, causing the greatest harm to the creators and businesses. It also helps protect the economy.

Innovation and international cooperation

The initiative stressed the importance of knowledge sharing and cross-border collaboration. Over 15 countries as well private organisations took part in the operation. They focused on illegal online streaming and other intellectual property infringements. By combining resources, expertise, and technological solutions, Europol strengthened intelligence-gathering and enforcement strategies across Europe.

Protecting Europe’s digital Economy

Cyber-Patrol Week demonstrates EU commitment to an integrated and technology-driven strategy in the fight against intellectual property crimes. Europol protects the digital economy by collaborating internationally, using innovative methods and taking targeted action to combat crypto-funded piracy.

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