Operation KRATOS: 29 Arrests in Global Crackdown on Illegal Streaming

An international operation has dealt a major blow to illegal streaming networks. Codenamed KRATOS and coordinated by Bulgaria with Europol’s support, the initiative spanned seven months, involving 13 countries and resulting in 29 arrests and the dismantling of nine criminal groups.

A Targeted Approach Against Criminal Ecosystems

Unlike previous efforts that focused solely on individual websites, KRATOS adopted a comprehensive strategy. Investigators identified 18,331 IP addresses and 4,370 new domains linked to piracy, removing over 27,000 illegal links broadcasting unauthorized sports, film, and TV content. In total, nearly 400,000 URLs were flagged for removal, and 722,000 counterfeit items were seized.

Authorities also conducted 148 raids, referred 59 cases to prosecutors, and identified 86 additional suspects. This operation represents a shift in the fight against piracy by targeting the underlying infrastructure rather than just visible platforms.

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Source: Security Affairs. Editorial synthesis assisted by AI — TechnoExpress.