Spanish Authorities Find $430K in Crypto Hidden in Wall Thermometer After Piracy Bust

Key Takeaways:

• Spanish National Police shut down a piracy giant that generated over $4.3 million in profit since 2014.
• The Ministry of the Interior warned that the site caused massive economic damage to the manga industry.
• Three suspects face court as investigators trace more than $430,000 found in seized crypto-wallets.

A Digital Empire Built on Pop-ups and Crypto

Spanish National Police have dismantled what has been described as the world’s largest Spanish-language manga piracy platform, uncovering a sophisticated financial web that used cryptocurrency to shield profits. While the platform—which had operated since 2014—was notorious for its millions of monthly visits, the bust exposed unique methods used by administrators to stash their wealth.

During a raid on a residence in Almeria, agents reportedly discovered two cold wallet hardware devices hidden inside a wall thermometer. The wallets contained more than $430,000 (400,000 euros) in various cryptocurrencies, representing a significant portion of the illicit operation’s liquid assets.

The platform functioned as a massive distribution hub for copyrighted Japanese comics, known as manga, which were translated into Spanish without authorization. According to investigators, the site generated more than $4.3 million in total profits through an aggressive advertising model.

Users were bombarded with pop-up windows and redirects every time they interacted with the site. The revenue from those ads—much of it linked to adult content—was systematically converted into crypto-assets.

The operation resulted in the arrest of three people charged with crimes against intellectual property. Police said the primary suspect was not only maintaining the current site but was also developing a secondary platform to expand the network’s reach. That project has been permanently shuttered.

The shutdown has sent shockwaves through the Spanish-speaking manga community. While the platform was popular, the Ministry of the Interior emphasized the “economic and reputational damage” it caused the publishing industry, undermining legal channels and devaluing the work of creators, translators and editors.

The three detainees have been turned over to judicial authorities. The seized crypto-wallets remain under the control of the court as the investigation continues into the full extent of the group’s financial holdings.