The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Atlanta Area Workplace introduced at present the seizure of a number of main on-line felony marketplaces that offered pirated variations of in style video video games, dismantling a multi-million greenback piracy operation that induced an estimated $170 million in losses to the gaming business.
The coordinated legislation enforcement motion focused web sites that had been working for greater than 4 years, distributing pirated copies of extremely anticipated video video games days or perhaps weeks earlier than their official launch dates. The websites attracted hundreds of thousands of customers looking for free entry to premium gaming content material.
In line with FBI information, between February 28, 2025, and Could 28, 2025, the seized web sites facilitated roughly 3.2 million downloads via their hottest obtain service alone.
This large distribution community resulted in vital monetary losses to sport builders and publishers, with authorities estimating damages at $170 million.
Right now, we’re saying the seizure and dismantlement of a number of illicit online game marketplaces. From February to Could of this yr, there have been roughly 3.2 million illicit downloads, and these downloads induced an estimated lack of $170 million: pic.twitter.com/saavl4WDEH— FBI (@FBI) July 11, 2025
The FBI obtained federal authorization to grab the domains of a number of high-traffic piracy websites, together with nsw2u[.]com, nswdl[.]com, game-2u[.]com, bigngame[.]com, ps4pkg[.]com, ps4pkg[.]web, and mgnetu[.]com. These domains served as the first infrastructure for internet hosting and facilitating entry to the pirated video video games.
Guests to those previously energetic piracy websites now encounter seizure banners notifying them that federal authorities have seized the domains underneath a court-issued warrant. The banners show official FBI and Division of Justice logos, serving as a stark reminder of the authorized penalties of digital piracy.
The investigation and seizure operation had been performed in coordination with worldwide companions, highlighting the worldwide nature of digital piracy enforcement. The FBI particularly acknowledged the help of the Dutch Fiscal Data and Investigation Service (FIOD) on this worldwide investigation.
This motion represents a big victory within the ongoing battle towards online game piracy, which has change into more and more subtle with digital distribution platforms. The seized web sites operated elaborate networks that distributed pirated content material and constructed communities round unlawful sport sharing.
The timing of the seizures is especially vital, as they occurred throughout a interval when a number of main gaming releases had been anticipated by shoppers worldwide. By distributing video games earlier than their official launch dates, these piracy websites instantly undermined reliable gross sales and advertising efforts by sport publishers.
Federal authorities emphasised that this operation sends a transparent message to others concerned in digital piracy operations. The seizure of those domains represents a part of a broader enforcement technique concentrating on the infrastructure that permits large-scale copyright infringement.
The investigation stays ongoing, and authorities haven’t dominated out extra fees or seizures associated to this case. The FBI continues to work with worldwide companions to determine and prosecute people concerned in working these unlawful marketplaces.
This enforcement motion underscores the federal authorities’s dedication to defending mental property rights within the digital age and supporting the reliable gaming business.
Examine dwell malware habits, hint each step of an assault, and make quicker, smarter safety selections -> Strive ANY.RUN now
