One of the biggest manga piracy networks has been shut down
Bato’s operator was reportedly making over $57,000 a month in illicit advertising revenue.
Bato’s operator was reportedly making over $57,000 a month in illicit advertising revenue.
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Image: Bato / Internet Archive
is a news writer focused on creative industries, computing, and internet culture. Jess started her career at TechRadar, covering news and hardware reviews.
Japan’s anti-piracy coalition says that one of the world’s largest manga piracy networks has been shut down following a coordinated investigation between Japanese publishers and Chinese authorities. The Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) announced the arrest of an individual on suspicion of copyright infringement on November 19th, who “has admitted to operating” Bato.to and approximately 60 related sites, such as xbato.com and mangapark.io.
Bato.to launched in 2014, growing to be one of the most recognizable online platforms for “scanalation” — in which manga, manhwa, and other comics are scanned, edited with translated text, and then distributed by online user communities. CODA reports that the 60 shuttered sites recorded a combined 350 million visits in May 2025 alone, with Bato.to making more than 400,000 yuan (around $57,000) in advertising revenue during peak months.
Bato.to’s operator has since been released on bail and is expected to be formally indicted.
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