Major Disruption: German Police Seize Dark Web Drug Marketplace “Pygmalion”
German authorities have successfully disrupted a significant dark web operation known as "Pygmalion," resulting in the arrest of several individuals and the seizure of substantial illicit goods. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat the trade of illegal substances online.
Dismantling Pygmalion’s Operations
The Bavarian State Criminal Police Office (BLKA), in collaboration with the Central Office for the Prosecution of Cybercrime (ZCB) and supported by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), executed an extensive investigation lasting several months. Law enforcement seized multiple servers and several onion domains associated with the Pygmalion marketplace, effectively dismantling its infrastructure.
Visitors to these domains now encounter seizure notices stating, “This criminal content has been seized by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) on behalf of the Bavarian Central Office for the Prosecution of Cybercrime (ZCB).” This clear message aims to inform the public of the crackdown on illegal activities across the dark web.
Tracking Over 7,000 Drug Orders
In a press statement released on April 24, 2025, the BLKA revealed that investigators recovered a comprehensive range of records, which includes customer data and order histories going back to April 2024. Initial forensic analysis indicated that Pygmalion operators maintained meticulous documentation of at least 7,250 individual transactions.
The breadth of this operation became clearer when authorities connected it to earlier investigations led by the Thuringia State Criminal Police Office. These insights allowed law enforcement to map out a detailed internal structure of the operation, revealing roles that included packers, shippers, and coordinators across multiple German states.
Arrests and Extensive Drug Seizures
On February 7, 2025, police arrested four individuals—three men and one woman aged between 24 and 56—believed to be integral to a network responsible for packaging and distributing narcotics to buyers worldwide. The arrests occurred in the Eichstätt district and the town of Neuburg an der Donau.
These coordinated raids, which spanned five locations, resulted in the confiscation of over 53 kilograms of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. Authorities also seized approximately 150,000 tablets regulated under Germany’s Medicines Act. Many of the drugs had already been portioned into thousands of vacuum-sealed bags, ready for shipment. The estimated retail value of these seized substances is believed to range in the low seven-figure euro area.
Vendor’s Response: A Call to “Lay Low”
In the wake of the takedown, a message attributed to the vendor surfaced on Pastebin, indicating they were aware of the seizure. The message expressed concern for customer data security, stating, "You’ve already heard from the BKA: Our shop has been seized.” It highlighted potential risks for buyers, urging them to take precautions such as cleaning their homes and maintaining a low profile.
This message suggests a breach in operational security that could potentially expose customer identities to law enforcement.
Authorities Issue Warnings to Online Buyers
Law enforcement agencies have explicitly warned about the consequences of purchasing drugs online, whether through the clear web or dark web platforms. Many users mistakenly believe that their anonymity is guaranteed, but investigators are adept at retrieving data logs that can lead to identifying buyers long after transactions have occurred.
The wide-ranging implications of this takedown echo previous actions, such as the shutdown of the Hansa dark web marketplace in 2018, where authorities not only dismantled one of the world’s largest cybercrime platforms but also released information identifying both vendors and buyers involved.
The seizure of Pygmalion followed closely on the heels of a similar operation targeting the Nemesis Market, another significant dark web platform, announced by police on March 21, 2025.
Legal Ramifications for Those Involved
Individuals arrested in connection with Pygmalion face serious charges related to the organized trafficking of substantial quantities of controlled substances. Convictions for these offenses can lead to lengthy prison terms ranging from five to fifteen years, depending on individuals’ roles in the operation.
The crackdown on dark web operations like Pygmalion highlights the ongoing efforts by German law enforcement to address the proliferation of illegal drug trade in an increasingly digital world. By targeting these networks aggressively, authorities aim to dismantle the frameworks that facilitate such activities while sending a clear message regarding the consequences of engaging in illicit online transactions.
The seized onion addresses associated with Pygmalion include:
http://pygmaliop3prfrktd6a6ezi3oqehu5ysja37vudycvkqngzncnvgw5qd.onionhttp://pygmaliooo4dwxt4xdvrglqsgvdjnj3ymjtaffsavnufb6e2vz726wid.onion
