Dark web arrests in Romania linked to portal which offered services including murder

Two suspects have been arrested in Romania as part of an ERSOU investigation into a bogus ‘harm for hire’ website which offered services including murder.

On 14 January 2026, simultaneous search warrants were executed as part of coordinated activity involving ERSOU and the Romanian Police Cybercrime Unit.

The enforcement was connected to a scam website called Online Killers Marketplace (OKM), which purported to facilitate criminal activities including the hiring of hitmen and extortion.

Whilst none of the services OKM offered were genuine, successful prosecutions have previously been pursued by police forces of individuals attempting to use it to cause harm to others, and intended victims have been safeguarded across the world.

The latest activity was led by ERSOU’s Cyber, Dark Web and Digital Forensic teams and was focused on identifying any suspects thought to be in charge of the website and linked to payments derived from it.

Search warrants were carried out at three properties, in Bucharest and Ramnicu Valcea, and were also supported and assisted by partner agencies including the National Crime Agency and Europol. 

The activity led to the seizure of US crypto currency worth at least $600,000, as well as cash which included almost 50,000 euros, and Romanian currency worth around £48,000. 

The suspects, aged 33 and 35, are currently released under investigation in Romania, subject to further enquiries and charging decisions.

ERSOU continues to work with international partners to take down network infrastructure connected to the site

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Pereira said: “This was a complex and far‑reaching investigation, and I want to extend my sincere thanks to all the staff and teams whose hard work made this operation possible. "The coordinated efforts between our Cyber, Dark Web and Digital Forensics teams, the NCA, and Europol were instrumental in enabling us to take decisive action against those suspected of running this fraudulent website and protecting potential victims from harm. "The crucial support provided by our colleagues in Romania was also invaluable, allowing us to carry out simultaneous search warrants across multiple locations and seize significant assets linked to this criminal enterprise."