The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office have announced the successful seizure and dismantling of several high-profile online marketplaces responsible for distributing pirated video games. This coordinated operation marks a significant victory in the ongoing fight against digital piracy and intellectual property theft.
Operation Overview
The FBI, with critical support from the Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD), targeted and took down multiple websites that had become central hubs for the illegal distribution of copyrighted video games. Among the domains seized were:
- nsw2u.com
- nswdl.com
- game-2u.com
- bigngame.com
- ps4pkg.com
- ps4pkg.net
- mgnetu.com
These sites were notorious within the piracy community for offering unauthorized copies of popular and highly anticipated video games, often making them available to the public before their official release dates.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
According to federal authorities, the scale of the operation was substantial. Between February 28 and May 28, 2025, just one of the affected download services recorded over 3.2 million downloads. The DOJ estimates that the financial impact on the gaming industry from these illegal activities is approximately $170 million.
Visitors attempting to access the seized domains are now met with a federal seizure notice, signaling the sites are under the control of U.S. law enforcement.
Official Statements
“For more than four years, these websites facilitated the widespread distribution of pirated video games, undermining the creative efforts and economic interests of legitimate developers and publishers,” the FBI stated in a press release. “This operation demonstrates our commitment to protecting intellectual property and holding accountable those who profit from digital theft.”
International Collaboration
The operation’s success was made possible through close collaboration between U.S. and international law enforcement agencies. The involvement of the FIOD underscores the global nature of digital piracy and the necessity of cross-border cooperation to effectively combat these crimes.
Ongoing Efforts
The DOJ and FBI reaffirmed their dedication to pursuing individuals and organizations involved in online piracy. This latest action serves as a warning to those who engage in or facilitate the illegal distribution of copyrighted material: law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and are prepared to take decisive action to protect the interests of content creators and the broader digital economy.
For more information, visit the Department of Justice website or contact the FBI Atlanta Field Office.
