Europol, in coordination with German authorities, has successfully dismantled Manson Market, a major online fraud marketplace operating on the clearnet. The crackdown, which took place on December 5, 2024, led to the seizure of more than 50 servers tied to the illicit platform and the arrest of two suspects. The authorities also confiscated over 80 data storage devices, computers, cell phones, and substantial assets, including €63,000 ($66,500) in cash and cryptocurrency. The seizure of over 200 terabytes of digital evidence marks a significant blow to the criminal operations facilitated by the marketplace.
Manson Market, believed to have been launched in 2022, was primarily used to trade stolen sensitive information, often acquired through phishing and vishing schemes. The marketplace enabled criminals to buy and sell stolen data, categorized by region and account balance, allowing for targeted fraud. One notable criminal tactic involved scammers posing as bank employees to trick victims into revealing personal information, such as security answers and addresses. Other deceptive practices included fake online shops designed to collect payment details from unsuspecting victims.
The platform’s presence on Telegram, where a channel called “freestuffbymanson” regularly shared stolen credit card information, further highlights the scale of its operations. This channel, which began its activities in October 2024, contributed to the dissemination of stolen financial data, including card numbers, expiration dates, and CVV codes. The global reach of the marketplace, coupled with its specialized tools for criminals, made it a hub for online fraud, affecting victims worldwide.
The joint effort involved law enforcement agencies from Austria, Czechia, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland. Searches were conducted across multiple countries, with significant disruption to the marketplace’s infrastructure in Germany, Finland, the Netherlands, and Norway. Two individuals, aged 27 and 37, were arrested in connection with the operation and are currently in pretrial detention. The investigation has revealed that over 57 victims in Germany alone suffered losses exceeding €250,000 ($264,000) due to the marketplace’s illegal activities. This operation underscores the ongoing global fight against cybercrime and online fraud.
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