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A large portion of free to access manga content disappeared from the internet after authorities dismantled what investigators describe as the world largest manga piracy network. Several sites, including bato.to and xbato.com, went offline following a criminal investigation in China supported by Japanese rights groups.
The case highlights growing cross border cooperation aimed at stopping large scale copyright abuse tied to digital publishing.
Good to Know
According to reporting by NHK, the investigation was carried out by Chinese authorities with support from the Content Overseas Distribution Association, often known as CODA.
CODA said the investigation began after requests from Japanese publishers, including Kadokawa Corporation, Kodansha Ltd, Shueisha Inc, Shogakukan Inc, and Square Enix Ltd.
Bato had hosted thousands of manga titles, translating and distributing them without permission from rights holders. Investigators described the platform as the largest operation of its kind.
Authorities believe the network was operated by a man living in Guangxi, China. CODA said the suspect admitted to running multiple related sites and is expected to face formal indictment.
He was released on bail while the investigation continues. Officials said additional accomplices may still be identified as authorities review financial records and site infrastructure.
CODA described the operation as a user submitted piracy platform, where users uploaded content and the sites provided hosting and distribution.
The operator allegedly ran multiple sites in parallel and spread traffic across domains. That structure helped avoid takedowns and blocking efforts across different countries, allowing copyright infringement to continue for years.
Japanese publishers have increased pressure against large piracy platforms as digital manga sales continue to grow globally. Rights groups argue that unchecked piracy undermines both creators and licensed distributors, especially as international readership expands.
Bato.to, xbato.com, and several related manga piracy sites are now offline.
Chinese authorities conducted the investigation with support from CODA.
Kadokawa, Kodansha, Shueisha, Shogakukan, and Square Enix were involved.
A suspect in Guangxi admitted operating the sites and was released on bail pending indictment.