Darknet markets are websites which are hosted on the deep-web and can be accessed typically using the Tor network. To identify the top keywords in the darknet-related research and leading authors, I used the bibliometric’s three-field plot to compare the top keywords, authors, journals and references. They include (1) the darkweb with its related illicit markets (drugs, tobacco, firearms, and identity theft), (2) the form of exchange on the dark net (cryptocurrency) and (3) policing in cybercrime/cryptomarkets. As relevant approaches, for instance, the top authors (Rasmus Munksgaard, David Décary-Hétu, Thomas Holt, Jin Lee, Alli Malm, and Jakob Demant) with their specific articles also concentrated on these keywords as part of their empirical studies between 2014 and 2022. Known as “Operation SpecTor”, one notable success this year is the takedown of the Monopoly Market, a drug marketplace on the dark web which had been in operation since 2019. Led by Europol in cooperation with law enforcement agencies across 9 other countries, this collaboration led to the arrest of 288 suspects and the seizure of more than USD 53.4 million in cash and virtual currencies, 850 kg of drugs, and 117 firearms.
Understanding the Law Enforcement Efforts Against Darknet Markets
Therefore, the survey was not conducted among darknet market customers, and it is not representative for the country in which it was carried out. However, its results can provide evidence-based recommendations for interventions targeted at university students. Garantex is a large cryptocurrency exchange based in Russia that we’ve discussed previously in our research due to its role in money laundering.
It is yet to be seen how the Russian dark web community will respond to this significant loss. However, reputations are difficult to maintain in the dark net ecosystem – harder still if there are questions regarding whether your account may now be in the control of law enforcement. It is possible that Hydra admins – or unconnected individuals – will seek to create a new market targeting primarily Russian customers, although it may take some time to re-establish the status that Hydra enjoyed for so long. Today’s actions mark the third time in which a virtual asset service provider has been sanctioned in its entirety.
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As the digital landscape expands, so do the challenges associated with illegal activities conducted through it. Among these, darknet markets pose a significant threat, facilitating the purchase and sale of illicit goods such as drugs, weapons, and stolen data.
That groundwork was the basis for the Tor Project, which was released in 2002 and launched a browser in 2008. With the creation of Tor, users could now browse the internet completely anonymously and explore sites that were deemed part of the “dark web.” In a world where people may become addicted to drugs they bought online, everyone must pay close attention to their loved ones. For example, a family member might not be disappearing at odd hours of the day and night to “spend time with their new friends,” but that doesn’t mean they aren’t using drugs.
This suggests that either more customers bought from darknet markets in 2019, or that old customers are making more purchases. The operation, dubbed SpecTor, also included the seizure of 117 firearms, 850 kilograms of drugs — including 64 kilograms of fentanyl or fentanyl-laced narcotics — and $53.4 million in cash and virtual currencies, the U.S. The U.S. portion of the investigation was coordinated through the DOJ’s Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement team, which includes the DOJ, FBI and DEA, among others. Investigations and prosecutions remain ongoing in more than 30 federal districts, the agency said in its statement. With so many different groups operating in the space and most heavily rely on acronyms, we’ve compiled a list of the prominent international government, intelligence, and law enforcement organizations that we’ve seen mentioned in significant operations carried out on the darknet.
- 1) Russian-language DNM vendors favour the dead-drop delivery model dubbed klad/клад (Russian for “treasure”), as opposed to the international mail delivery model adopted by western DNMs.
- U.S. law enforcement agents also used Hydra’s “Bitcoin Bank Mixer” to launder money in November 2021.
- Dark web monitoring services provide real-time alerts and notifications when specific keywords, usernames, or data appear on the Dark Web.
- It also allowed for analysis of the scale of the collaboration network between authors, affiliations, and countries.
The table below includes their common and formal names, as well as the countries they primarily operate in. While Russian-language markets are well known for serving only Russians, experts say that’s not the dominant darknet market language globally. “We have observed various types of fraud focus on specific regions – for example, drug sales, carding and malware development,” which is localized for that region, and in those cases, the markets often use the local language.” In early 2022, Russian authorities disrupted major carder markets selling stolen payment card data, including UniCC, Ferum Shop, Sky-Fraud and Trump’s Dumps, aka TDStore. Despite that crackdown, the carder ecosystem rebounded by May 2022, threat intelligence firm Recorded Future reports.
The question arises: how many police agencies are going after darknet markets? The effort to combat these markets is not limited to a single organization or country; rather, it is a global initiative involving numerous law enforcement agencies.
Global Collaboration in Law Enforcement
The fight against darknet markets involves a combination of local, national, and international agencies working together. These can include:
- Federal agencies: Such as the FBI in the United States, which has dedicated Cyber Divisions targeting online crime.
- National police forces: Various countries have their specialized cybercrime units focusing on darknet activities.
- International organizations: Agencies such as INTERPOL and EUROPOL facilitate cooperation among countries to share intelligence and resources.
- Local law enforcement: Many local police departments are increasingly involved in combating cybercrime at the community level.
Key Operations and Cases
There have been several high-profile operations aimed at dismantling darknet markets, the results of which reflect the coordinated efforts of various agencies. Some notable examples include:
- Operation Disruptor: A 2020 operation involving the FBI, DEA, and other agencies that led to the arrest of over 170 individuals globally.
- Operation Bayonet: A joint effort by law enforcement agencies in Europe and the U.S. that resulted in the seizure of AlphaBay, one of the largest darknet marketplaces at the time.
- Operation Dark Hunter: Coordinated across multiple nations in Europe, focusing on various darknet markets specializing in drugs and trafficking.
Challenges Faced by Law Enforcement
Combatting darknet markets is fraught with challenges, including:
- Anonymity: The use of cryptocurrencies and anonymity networks such as Tor complicates tracking and identifying participants.
- Geographical barriers: Jurisdiction issues arise when crimes are committed across national borders.
- Rapidly evolving technology: Darknet markets frequently adapt to new security measures, making it hard for agencies to keep up.
FAQs
Q1: How effective are law enforcement agencies in shutting down darknet markets?
A1: Law enforcement has seen success in shutting down several significant darknet markets, but new ones often emerge shortly after. The ongoing battle requires persistent effort.
Q2: Are darknet markets completely eliminated after a shutdown operation?
A2: No, while specific markets may be shut down, others quickly pop up. The nature of the darknet allows for a persistent and adaptable marketplace.
Q3: What resources do agencies use to combat darknet markets?
A3: Agencies utilize a variety of tools and techniques, including cyber intelligence, blockchain analysis, and collaboration with tech companies for data analysis.
Conclusion
The question of how many police agencies are going after darknet markets underscores a critical aspect of modern cybersecurity efforts. With a multifaceted approach involving various law enforcement entities globally, the fight against illicit activities on the darknet remains a top priority. Ongoing collaboration and adaptation to new challenges are vital to staying ahead in this complex and ever-evolving battle.
