Story perspectives

World's Largest Manga Piracy Network Shut Down

1/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) announced the shutdown of BATO.TO, the world's largest manga piracy network, after a coordinated investigation with Chinese authorities.
The operation involved around 60 related sites and targeted over 1,000 illegally distributed titles.
The piracy network caused about 770 billion yen in damage from October 2022 to October 2025.
The primary operator was arrested on November 19, 2025, after a Shanghai Public Security Bureau raid.

History

Historical Context

The Pirate Bay, founded in 2003, became a focal point in the battle against online piracy, facilitating billions in losses for copyright holders like the Motion Picture Association. In December 2014, Swedish authorities raided the site, echoing earlier shutdowns and highlighting ongoing tensions between digital rights and intellectual property enforcement. This incident underscores the persistent global struggle to regulate online content and protect creators' rights.

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Story summary

Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) announced the shutdown of BATO.TO, the world's largest manga piracy network, after a coordinated investigation with Chinese authorities.
The operation involved around 60 related sites and targeted over 1,000 illegally distributed titles.
The piracy network caused about 770 billion yen in damage from October 2022 to October 2025.
The primary operator was arrested on November 19, 2025, after a Shanghai Public Security Bureau raid.

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