Finnish Customs on Tuesday announced it has seized the web server of dark web marketplace PIILOPUOTI.
In a statement, Finland’s customs agency said PIILOPUOTI, a Finnish-language dark web marketplace, was used to trade narcotics and other illegal items. The drugs sold on the marketplace were reportedly smuggled into the country.
Finnish authorities conducted the operation with assistance from Europol and other international agencies. It is currently unclear if any individuals associated with PIILOPUOTI have been arrested.
“The criminal investigation is still underway. At this point, Finnish Customs and our international cooperation partners will not provide any further information on the matter,” the Finnish Customs’ press release states.
PIILOPUOTI Dark Web Marketplace
According to Finnish Customs, PIILOPUOTI was launched on May 18, 2022, and operated on the dark web, meaning it was only accessible via the Tor Network. The platform supported “anonymous criminal activities” such as the trade of illegal drugs and other substances.
Europol described the takedown of PIILOPUOTI as a “significant victory against dark web criminals.”
Apart from Europol, law enforcement agencies from Germany, Lithuania, and other countries contributed during preliminary investigations. Cybersecurity company Bitdefender also assisted in the operation.
Now, anyone who tries to visit PIILOPUOTI will be greeted with a message saying the domain has been seized.
PIILOPUOTI is the latest high-profile dark web marketplace to be taken down this year. The FBI worked with its international partners in April to take down the Genesis marketplace.
Bitdefender Assisted in PIILOPUOTI Takedown
Alexandru Catalin Cosoi, senior director of the investigation and forensics unit at Bitdefender, told The Record that this operation is a “prime example of the public and private sector pooling resources and working together to disrupt illegal online activities.”
“It should also serve as a wake-up call for criminals who falsely believe their infrastructures, anonymity and actions are fully protected by the dark web. They should understand if they are in the crosshairs of an international effort, they will eventually be brought to justice,” Cosoi added.
Bitdefender is known for its popular cybersecurity products, including Bitdefender antivirus and Bitdefender VPN.
The dark web has long been associated with illegal activities. However, the anonymity and security it provides can be helpful to human rights defenders, journalists, and even regular people who live in countries with strict censorship laws.
Read our guide to dark web facts and myths to learn more about this hidden part of the web.
