The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has revealed that $80,000 worth of bitcoin was seized, along with other contraband, as part of a coordinated crackdown of illegal weapon sales.

The global operation, conducted in coordination with the United States Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS), led to four arrests in Australia and seventeen across North America and Europe.

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The investigation focused on illegal firearms sold via the dark web by a US-based individual. During the 6-month operation, HSI agents covertly used the individual’s alias account to eventually lead them to the Australian-based buyers.

Six controlled parcels were delivered to addresses in Australia, from which illegal firearms, ammunition, two clandestine laboratories, precursor chemicals, methamphetamines, pseudoephedrine, steroids, computer equipment and mobile telephones were seized. A total of 34 charges have been laid.

The law enforcement agencies have not indicated if the bitcoins are to become available for auction one day, as has been the case with past seizures.