BERLIN, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Investigators in Germany and beyond have conducted a major operation against individuals in connection with "Crimemarket," an illegal German-language online trading platform.
Almost 100 properties were searched in nearly all federal states on Thursday evening, according to the police. The number of arrests was not disclosed.
Led by the cybercrime department of North Rhine-Westphalia state, an investigative commission had been gathering evidence of crimes committed on the platform for years, a statement by Duesseldorf police said.
Narcotics, criminal services, and detailed instructions for serious crimes were sold on the platform. "In addition to the operators, the investigations are directed against both the sellers operating via this marketplace and the users," the statement said.
The European Union has enforced stricter rules for internet sales platforms since mid-February, prompting online platforms with users in the bloc to take measures against illegal content, goods, and services. Furthermore, minors are to be given special protection.
