Operation Endgame 2.0: Europol Infrastructure Seizure Report

Europol and partner agencies from 12 member states have published the final report on Operation Endgame 2.0, a follow-up to the 2024 operation targeting darknet market infrastructure. The operation resulted in seizure of server infrastructure associated with three mid-tier darknet marketplaces and the arrest of 23 individuals across seven countries.

The report is notable for its transparency regarding the investigative methods employed: cryptocurrency tracing accounted for the initial identification of suspect wallets in 78% of cases, with nearly all of these involving Bitcoin transactions linked to KYC exchanges through chain analysis. Monero transactions were documented as presenting 'significant analytical obstacles' with no cases in this operation originating from XMR-only wallet activity.

None of the operations in the report involved the compromise of Tor hidden service infrastructure through technical means. All server locations were identified through human intelligence, hosting provider legal processes, or cryptocurrency tracing to identified individuals who then disclosed infrastructure details.