Manga piracy platform shut down after €467K crypto find

A manga piracy platform has been shut down in Spain after authorities uncovered a long-running illegal operation. The site attracted millions of users by offering free access to copyrighted content.

As a result, the case highlights both financial crime and serious online safety concerns.

Platform Generated Millions Through Ads

Investigators found that the operation generated millions in revenue through aggressive advertising. In many cases, users were redirected through pop-ups to external sites.

However, some of these ads led to adult content. Because of this, authorities raised concerns about exposure to minors. Consequently, the case extends beyond piracy into user safety risks.

Hidden Cryptocurrency Discovered During Raid

Police carried out a raid in Almería as part of the investigation. During the search, they uncovered a technical setup used to operate the site.

In addition, officers found cryptocurrency wallets hidden inside a wall device. These wallets contained over €400,000 in digital assets.

As a result, the discovery revealed how profits were stored and concealed.

Largest Spanish-Language Site Identified

Authorities described the service as the largest Spanish-language manga piracy platform. It had been active for years and hosted a wide collection of unauthorized content.

Because of this scale, the operation caused significant damage to rights holders. At the same time, its long activity explains how it built a large user base.

Expansion Plans Stopped Early

Investigators confirmed that the operators planned to launch another platform. This new site would have expanded their reach further.

However, authorities intervened before the expansion could begin. Therefore, the action limited future growth of the network.

Arrests and Ongoing Investigation

Police arrested three individuals connected to the case. They now face charges linked to intellectual property violations.

Meanwhile, the investigation continues as authorities assess the full scope of the operation. As a result, further actions may follow.

Conclusion

The takedown of the manga piracy platform shows how digital piracy can develop into a large criminal operation. While authorities disrupted the network, similar risks remain.

Therefore, continued enforcement and stronger monitoring will be essential to reduce future activity.