Police Scotland arrests two men as part of global operation targeting dark web marketplace

Officers from Police Scotland’s specialist Cybercrime Unit arrested two men and executed a number of warrants across the country – during a global operation targeting one of the biggest dark web marketplaces selling stolen credentials to criminals worldwide.

The activity took place at four addresses, in Dunfermline, Glasgow, Carluke and Aberdeen, as part of an operation led by the FBI and Dutch National Police which followed the takedown of Genesis Market.

Two men, one aged 31 from Aberdeen and another aged 43 from Glasgow, have been arrested and enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Inspector Andy Mclean, of Police Scotland’s Cybercrime Unit, said:

“The action taken in this country underlines Police Scotland’s committed to tackling all forms of serious and organised crime and we know those involved are increasingly using the internet for their own gain.

"We will continue to work in partnership with law enforcement agencies in this country and abroad to target and disrupt this sort of activity.”

Genesis Market was a criminal marketplace seeking to defraud victims, having hosted approximately 80 million credentials and digital fingerprints stolen from over two million people across the world. The UK operation follows an investigation of the site by the FBI and forms part of international action in 17 countries.

There is further information about how to check if your data or accounts have been targeted here. If you have not been targeted, you should still ensure you are securing your accounts and devices against criminals. If you think you have been targeted, please contact Police Scotland on 101.