Ukranian Cops Raid Huge BitTorrent Site

KIEV, Ukraine — Ukranian police have shut down Pornolab.net, what could be the largest adult BitTorrent site in the world.

Torrent Freak has reported that Kiev authorities raided the site’s Ukraine data center and shut down its servers for copyright infringement although the original complaint was sparked by the unlawful distribution of porn.

Pornolab reportedly has more than 2 million members, about a third of which are in the Ukraine.

In February of 2010, Pornolab’s sister site Torrent.ru — that reportedly had millions of members —  had its domain seized by police also in a copyright related action.

With the demise of two other huge adult trackers in January of this year, Empornium and PureTNA, it’s possible that Pornolab was the largest adult BitTorrent site in the world.

Torrent Freak said that Kiev police are citing contraventions of Part 2 of Article 301 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine which covers crimes against children using the Internet — in this case the importation, production, sale and distribution of pornographic material without age restriction.

The law has been used in the past to shut down publications deemed offensive including gay literature with penalties that include large fines and up to five years in prison.

Cops are not only targeting the site’s operators but are after Ukranian users as well, accusing them of automatically downloading restricted material.

Torrent Freak said that the Ukraine has been a relative safe haven for European and U.S. BitTorrent operators who have suffered legal pressure and were forced to look for new homes.

But the crackdown on Torrents.ru changed things in 2010. The site continues today as Rutracker.org.

And the raid wasn’t the first time Ukrainian police have targeted porn. Torrent Freak said that in May 2010, xsweet.net.ua got hit for the same reasons as Pornolab and its operator was arrested.

The report said the Ukraine is also home to Demonoid, one of the world’s largest BitTorrent trackers. “Unlike Pornolab, Demonoid expressly forbids the tracking of any adult-related content. It also goes one step further, probably to ensure it stays the correct side of the Ukrainian authorities, by banning all local traffic. Pornolab did not and according to estimates, up to 700,000 of its members called Ukraine home."

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Paysite 'RealGirlsFuck' Relaunches as 'Taboolu.com'

Producer/performer Josh Lewis has relaunched his paysite, RealGirlsFuck, as Taboolu.com.

Show More