HiAnime, once the world's largest anime piracy platform, is back in the spotlight after Vietnamese authorities arrested seven key figures behind the operation.
The platform, which had grown into one of Crunchyroll's biggest unofficial competitors, is now under intense scrutiny. So, who are these people? How did authorities catch them? And are there any alternatives to HiAnime? Scroll down as we explore it all!
What Happened to HiAnime?
The streaming website officially shut down in March 2026, leaving users with a farewell message that read, "It's time to say goodbye. Thank you for a wonderful journey." After years of repeatedly changing its name to avoid enforcement actions, the platform finally went offline.Four months later, on July 2, 2026, the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) confirmed that seven people linked to the operation had been arrested. Now let's see how they actually executed the plan.
Why did HiAnime get shut down?
In many ways, the free anime streaming website's rapid rise also became its biggest weakness. The larger the platform grew, the harder it became to stay out of the spotlight. The downfall of HiAnime traces back to a multi-year international investigation led by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), with support from major studios and U.S. agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations.
By operating more than 100 piracy domains and generating millions in advertising revenue, the network eventually drew the attention of global authorities. The pressure intensified after HiAnime was named a priority target in U.S. piracy reports.
By operating more than 100 piracy domains and generating millions in advertising revenue, the network eventually drew the attention of global authorities. The pressure intensified after HiAnime was named a priority target in U.S. piracy reports.
Anime fans aren't taking this well
Weebs and casual anime fans didn't hold back, with many pointing the finger at what they believe is corporate greed behind the crackdown. One user on X(formerly Twitter) wrote, "HiAnime was my daily escape. Now it's gone, and they're arresting people for giving us free anime? This sucks." Another commented, "First KissAnime, now this. Paid services don't have half the catalog. RIP my watchlist."
A fan added, "Arresting seven guys while studios charge $10+ a month for incomplete libraries? Greed wins again."
Authorities identified four alleged ringleaders, who now face charges of copyright infringement and money laundering:
Who exactly was arrested in the HiAnime crackdown?
Vietnamese authorities, led by the Ministry of Public Security's C03 (Economic Crimes Investigation Department) and A05 (Cybersecurity Department), were reportedly responsible for this. According to investigators, the group ran the operation from Vietnam, using sophisticated technical systems and frequent domain changes, to hide their identities while managing more than 100 piracy websites.Authorities identified four alleged ringleaders, who now face charges of copyright infringement and money laundering: - Nguyễn Đình Minh Khoa- reportedly managed advertising partnerships and traffic strategies. Investigators allege he earned around 50 billion VND (about $2 million) from the operation, which he allegedly spent on luxury cars and personal expenses. Below are the members of this circle.
- Nguyễn Trung Anh
- Nguyễn Đình Xuân
- Nguyễn Hoàng Thanh
- Nguyễn Phước Toàn
- Doãn Thành Luân
- Nguyễn Khương Duy
Are new HiAnime proxy links safe to use?
Unfortunately, no, new proxy or mirror links claiming to be HiAnime are highly risky. Many are scams designed to steal personal data and, at the same time, spread malware. Are there any solid alternatives?Best legal alternatives to HiAnime
- If you're looking for a safe replacement, then Crunchyroll remains the go-to destination for anime fans, thanks to its massive library.
- HIDIVE is another strong choice, especially if you're after niche titles and English dubs.
- If you prefer free options, ad-supported platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, and RetroCrush offer a solid selection of anime, particularly classic titles.
- Meanwhile, Netflix and Prime Video continue to expand their anime libraries with both exclusive and popular series.
Can you recover your HiAnime watchlist?
Limited recovery is possible for long-time users. Some have regained partial lists by logging into older domains like Aniwatch with previous credentials. Otherwise, options are restricted, and export tools are unavailable post-shutdown.