A major international operation targeting online piracy has resulted in 29 arrests, the dismantling of nine organized criminal groups and the removal of more than 27.000 illegal streaming sources.

The operation, codenamed KRATOS 2, saw Europol co-lead the operational coordination alongside Bulgaria’s General Directorate Combating Organized Crime (GDBOP). Throughout the operational phase, Europol facilitated intelligence exchange between participating countries, coordinated cross-border cooperation and provided operational and technical support to national authorities. The operation involved authorities from Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. Europol worked closely with strategic partners from the audiovisual and anti-piracy sectors, including AAPA, ACE/MPA, LALIGA, UEFA, Friend MTS, beIN Media Group and Irdeto.

The seven-month investigation, conducted between September 2025 and April 2026, examined hundreds of thousands of online assets linked to pirated content, as well as tens of thousands of domains and IP addresses.

Authorities identified 4.370 new domains linked to piracy-related activities; 18.331 IP addresses associated with illegal services; 397.384 URLs proposed for blocking or removal; 126.979 additional copyright-infringing assets.

According to investigators, the operation targeted criminal networks generating millions in revenue through the illegal distribution of sports broadcasts, films and television channels.

Authorities also warned that unlawful streaming services pose significant risks to consumers, including exposure to malware, cyber threats and the theft of personal data.

As a result of sustained enforcement efforts and enhanced international cooperation, Bulgaria has been removed from the United States’ Special 301 Watch List, which monitors countries with concerns relating to the protection of intellectual property rights.