darknet

An international law enforcement operation called Operation RapTor has led to the arrest of 270 individuals across 10 countries and the seizure of over $200 million in cash and cryptocurrencies. It marks the largest enforcement action to date under the U.S. Justice Department’s J-CODE initiative, targeting criminal groups operating through the darknet.

🔹 Global Drug Network Dismantled
Led by U.S. authorities in cooperation with Europol and international agencies, the operation targeted illegal marketplaces and drug networks in Austria, Brazil, France, Germany, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and the USA.
Seized in the raids:

🔹 Over two metric tons of drugs

🔹 144 kilograms of fentanyl-laced substances

🔹 180 firearms

🔹 Cryptocurrencies worth hundreds of millions of dollars
“This historic seizure of weapons, lethal drugs, and illicit funds will save lives,” said U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. “Criminals can no longer hide behind screens or seek refuge on the dark web.”

🔹 Cryptocurrencies and Stablecoins Fueling Illicit Trade
Authorities are increasingly concerned about the use of cryptocurrencies and stablecoins — particularly USDT — in global drug trade and money laundering.
🔹 A report by Chainalysis revealed that at least $5.5 million in stablecoins was sent by money mules to Chinese suppliers of fentanyl precursors.

🔹 According to TRM Labs, 97% of surveyed Chinese chemical suppliers accept crypto payments, showing that stablecoins have become essential infrastructure for trafficking networks.
These blockchain patterns mirror the behavior of individuals already prosecuted under Operation RapTor.

🔹 Key Figures and Markets Busted
The operation also brought down several high-profile darknet actors:
🔹 Behrouz Parsarad, an Iranian national, was indicted in Ohio and sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury’s OFAC. He operated Nemesis Market, a darknet platform for selling opioids and hiding profits in crypto wallets.

🔹 Rui-Siang Lin, operator of Incognito Market, one of the largest online drug markets, pleaded guilty in December to drug trafficking, money laundering, and selling misbranded drugs.

🔹 Telegram Closes Down $27 Billion Black Market
This week, Telegram shut down Haowang Guarantee, described by blockchain firm Elliptic as the most active crypto-powered black market ever seen online. The platform traded:
🔹 Laundered USDT

🔹 Fake identification documents

🔹 Tools for industrial-scale online scams
It served as a hub for what Elliptic called a “cyber slavery-based scam economy”, often exploiting victims trapped in fraudulent digital networks.

🔹 Cryptocurrencies Under Growing Scrutiny
Also this week, in California, Pedro Inzunza Noriega and his son Pedro Inzunza Coronel were indicted for fentanyl trafficking and crypto-based money laundering. They are allegedly linked to a faction of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel and laundered profits via Chinese crypto brokers.

Conclusion
Operation RapTor shows that while cryptocurrencies enable financial innovation, they also facilitate global organized crime. Although blockchain provides transparency, its tools are being abused at scale. This global enforcement sends a clear message: the digital asset space is not beyond the reach of the law.

#CryptoNewss , #CyberSecurity , #CryptoCrime , #StaySafe , #darknet

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Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Despite a global slowdown in cryptocurrency transactions on darknet markets, Russia’s crypto underground is thriving. According to the latest findings from blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis, cryptocurrency activity on Russian darknet platforms surged by 68%, even as global darknet sales dropped by 15% year-over-year.

Kraken Surges While Others Collapse
The report highlights that Kraken, now the largest darknet marketplace focused on Russia, has quickly risen to dominance after the takedown of the infamous Hydra marketplace in April 2022.
🔹 In 2024, Kraken handled $737 million worth of cryptocurrency, marking an increase of nearly 68% year-over-year.

🔹 In contrast, rival platform Mega — once a primary drug supplier to other darknet markets — saw its inflow fall by more than 50%.

Global Darknet Crypto Activity Declines
Globally, darknet crypto activity fell by 15% in 2024, largely due to ongoing efforts by international law enforcement and the increasing transparency of blockchain transactions.
📉 These pressures have forced many darknet operators to reconsider the tools they use — particularly a shift away from Bitcoin, which is known for its traceability.

Monero Takes the Lead on the Darknet
According to Chainalysis, many darknet platforms have now switched to using Monero (XMR) exclusively.
🔐 Monero is a privacy-focused cryptocurrency designed for maximum anonymity, making it significantly more difficult to trace transactions or identify participants. This privacy feature has made it the preferred currency for those aiming to stay off the radar of global authorities.

Summary
While global darknet markets are shrinking, Russia's scene is expanding rapidly. Kraken has taken the lead, and Bitcoin is losing ground to more private coins like Monero.
The Chainalysis report serves as a reminder that, although blockchain activity is transparent, privacy is still achievable — especially when the right technologies are used. That continues to present a major challenge for international regulators and law enforcement agencies.

#CryptoCrime , #darknet , #CyberSecurity , #Monero , #CryptoSecurity

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

In a jaw-dropping move, Telegram has wiped out the largest black market in internet history, shutting down two massive crypto crime networks — Haowang Guarantee and Xinbi Guarantee. These shady marketplaces, operating right under everyone's nose on Telegram, facilitated over $35 billion in dirty crypto deals, offering everything from money laundering to stolen data and even sex trafficking services. 😱 The crackdown followed revelations from blockchain sleuths at Elliptic (Elliptic is a British blockchain analytics firm headquartered in London, with offices in New York and Singapore) and an explosive investigation by WIRED (Wired is a bi-monthly American magazine that focuses on how emerging technologies affect culture, the economy, and politics) , which exposed the true scale of these digital crime empires.
💀 Haowang Guarantee, previously known as Huione Guarantee, abruptly ceased operations on May 13, blaming Telegram for banning its groups, NFTs (Telegram usernames), and channels. Before its shutdown, Haowang had turned into a full-blown crime bazaar — dealing in crypto laundering via Tether (USDT), fake identities, deepfakes, and even torture tools used in human trafficking camps across Southeast Asia. The parent company, Huione Group, is linked to Cambodia's ruling elite and is now under fire from U.S. financial authorities for allegedly laundering over $4 billion — some of it stolen by North Korean hackers! 🚨🇰🇭💰
But the story doesn't end there. Despite the takedowns, criminals are already regrouping. Reports reveal that the masterminds behind Haowang are moving their users to a new black market called Tudou Guarantee — and Xinbi Guarantee is eyeing a shady comeback under the name “Xinbi 2.0.” These platforms aren’t giving up easily because the profits are just too big to walk away from. 🤐📲 They’re betting on Telegram not following through with more bans — or possibly hopping over to decentralized apps with fewer rules.
🔥 According to experts, this is a major blow to global cybercrime, but not the end. Think of it as a game of cat and mouse — except these mice are raking in billions. Elliptic’s Tom Robinson says it best: “This was the biggest dark-net market ever. Shutting it down is huge, but make no mistake — they’ll try to bounce back.” Whether Telegram continues to fight or criminals find a new digital hideout, one thing is clear: the war on crypto crime just hit a turning point. 💥👮‍♂️🕵️‍♀️

$TON
#Telegram #darknet #BinanceAlphaAlert

While Bitcoin remains the dominant cryptocurrency for illicit activities, Monero has carved a niche for itself as a preferred alternative for those seeking increased anonymity. Its design principles and unique features make it an attractive option for cybercriminals.
Enhanced Privacy🤐
Monero's core focus on privacy differentiates it from Bitcoin. Features such as ring signatures, stealth addresses, and confidential transactions make it significantly more challenging to trace the flow of funds. As Chainalysis, a blockchain analysis firm, has noted, "Monero is designed to be untraceable, and it largely lives up to that promise." Exactly, what crooks love to hear!Darknet Markets🚨Many darknet markets, notorious for illegal activities, have adopted Monero as a primary or exclusive payment method. This has solidified its reputation as a go-to currency for underground economies. The infamous darknet market AlphaBay, for example, exclusively used Monero for transactions. Good News is AlphaBay was shut down in a joint operation by law enforcement agencies worldwide in 2017 due to its involvement in numerous criminal activities. Ransomware Attacks⚔️ Ransomware gangs often demand payment in Monero due to the increased difficulty in tracing the ransom. This allows attackers to maintain a degree of anonymity. The WannaCry ransomware attack, which affected over 200,000 computers worldwide in 2017, demanded payment in Bitcoin and Monero.Money Laundering💸: The untraceable nature of Monero transactions makes it a potential tool for money laundering, as it can obscure the origin of funds. While exact figures are difficult to obtain, experts believe that Monero plays a role in facilitating this type of crime.
It's important to note that Monero itself is not illegal. However, its design characteristics have made it a preferred choice for those involved in illicit activities. As law enforcement continues to adapt to the evolving cryptocurrency landscape, the effectiveness of Monero as a tool for criminals may change. (NOT FINANCIAL ADVISE⚠️)
#Monero #MoneroHack #darknet

Darknet, drugs, cryptocurrency, and one man at the center: U.S. authorities have charged Behrouz Parsarad with running one of the largest illegal online marketplaces. He faces life imprisonment.

🕵️‍♂️ The Allegations: Hundreds of Thousands of Illegal Transactions
According to the indictment, Iranian citizen Behrouz Parsarad allegedly operated Nemesis, a darknet marketplace that from 2021 to 2024 facilitated the sale of drugs, illicit cyber services, and other banned goods. The platform reportedly processed over 400,000 orders, with more than 13% for stimulants like cocaine and meth, and over 4% for opioids such as fentanyl and heroin.
The U.S. Department of Justice described Nemesis as a highly damaging criminal platform that significantly contributed to global drug distribution and cybercrime.

💸 Laundering Money Through Crypto
Parsarad is also accused of providing money laundering services, including cryptocurrency mixing to obscure transaction trails. He allegedly took a commission from every sale on the Nemesis platform.

U.S. Sanctions and a Life Sentence Looming
The U.S. sanctioned Parsarad in March. Before it was shut down, Nemesis had reportedly facilitated $30 million in drug sales. Parsarad now faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison — that is, if the U.S. can ever extradite him. He currently resides in Iran, a country with no extradition treaty with the U.S.
Despite this, officials say Parsarad has discussed building a new version of Nemesis. And experts question whether he worked alone.

🧑‍💻 Why Has No One Else Been Charged?
Although Parsarad is the only one indicted, cybersecurity experts say a darknet platform of this size likely required an entire team — administrators, moderators, developers, money launderers, and more.
“As seen in past takedowns like AlphaBay and Hydra,” said TRM Labs legal expert Ari Redbord, “these platforms often operate as distributed teams that maintain trust, availability, and financial systems.”

🌐 The Darknet Lives On — and Thrives
The takedown of Nemesis doesn’t mark the end of darknet operations. According to TRM Labs, 20–30 drug-focused darknet markets are active globally at any given time.
These markets tend to fall into two main ecosystems:
🔹 Russian-language markets (e.g., Blacksprut, Kraken) — highly profitable and deeply rooted in local drug economies.

🔹 Western markets (e.g., Abacus Market, STYX) — smaller but more resilient, relying on postal shipping and operating internationally.
According to Redbord, the average lifespan of a drug darknet market is two to three years, after which it’s usually abandoned or taken down by authorities.

🧨 Even though Nemesis is gone, the darknet thrives. And as long as demand for anonymous illegal trade remains, it will continue — under new names and new leadership.

#darknet , #cybercrime , #CyberSecurity , #aml , #scam

Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies!
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Rui Xiang Lin, a 23-year-old known by his alias "Faron," was apprehended at JFK Airport and has been charged with operating Incognito Market, a darknet drug operation valued at $100 million.
Unmasking Through Cryptocurrency
The FBI successfully traced cryptocurrency transactions to uncover Lin's true identity. This digital trail provided crucial evidence of his involvement in the illicit market.
Following the Financial Trail
Prosecutors in Manhattan underscored how Lin transferred funds from the market's digital wallet to his personal exchange account, solidifying his connection to the operation.

Crucial Testimony
Mark Reubens, an officer from the FBI task force, testified that the cryptocurrency transactions led directly to Lin, firmly linking him to the darknet platform.
Facing Federal Charges
Lin is now facing serious federal charges, representing a significant victory in the ongoing battle against darknet criminal activities.
This case highlights the evolving techniques law enforcement employs to combat cybercrime and the persistent challenges posed by the darknet and cryptocurrency.
#darknet #cryptocruncy2024 #FBI $BTC $ETH

Văn phòng Kiểm soát Tài sản Nước ngoài Hoa Kỳ (#OFAC ) vừa ra lệnh trừng phạt đối với Behrouz Parsarad, công dân Iran, người bị cáo buộc là kẻ đứng sau điều hành chợ đen Nemesis trên darknet. Theo OFAC, Parsarad có toàn quyền kiểm soát nền tảng này, bao gồm các ví tiền điện tử liên quan đến hoạt động phi pháp.
Chợ Đen Nemesis và Vai Trò Của Parsarad
Nemesis là một trong những chợ đen lớn trên #darknet , nơi diễn ra các giao dịch mua bán chất cấm, tài liệu giả mạo và công cụ tấn công mạng. Dù các cơ quan chức năng Hoa Kỳ, Đức và Litva đã triệt phá và thu giữ máy chủ của Nemesis vào tháng 3/2024, OFAC cho biết Parsarad vẫn tiếp tục liên hệ với các đối tác cũ để xây dựng lại nền tảng này.
Theo báo cáo, Parsarad hưởng lợi từ mỗi giao dịch trên Nemesis, với tổng doanh thu gần 30 triệu USD từ buôn bán ma túy giai đoạn 2021-2024. Chợ đen này có hơn 30.000 người dùng và 1.000 nhà cung cấp, bao gồm các giao dịch đến từ Hoa Kỳ.
Bradley T. Smith, quyền Thứ trưởng Tài chính phụ trách Khủng bố và Tình báo Tài chính Hoa Kỳ, tuyên bố rằng Parsarad không chỉ quản lý Nemesis mà còn đang tìm cách khôi phục nền tảng này. "Parsarad đã xây dựng và tiếp tục cố gắng tái lập một môi trường an toàn cho việc sản xuất, mua bán và vận chuyển ma túy bất hợp pháp như fentanyl và các loại opioid tổng hợp khác," ông Smith nhấn mạnh.

Hệ Thống Tài Chính và Dòng Tiền Bất Hợp Pháp
Lệnh trừng phạt của OFAC nhắm đến 44 địa chỉ Bitcoin và 5 địa chỉ Monero có liên quan đến Parsarad. Nghiên cứu từ Chainalysis tiết lộ rằng các ví $BTC của Parsarad đã nhận khoảng 850.000 USD, nhưng giá trị này tăng lên 1,6 triệu USD trước khi bị phân tán sang các sàn giao dịch tập trung để rút tiền.
Theo Ari Redbord, Giám đốc chính sách toàn cầu tại nền tảng tình báo blockchain TRM Labs, Nemesis không chỉ là nơi buôn bán ma túy mà còn hỗ trợ các hoạt động tội phạm mạng. "Nemesis đã tạo điều kiện cho việc mua bán tài liệu giả mạo và công cụ tấn công mạng, giúp tội phạm chiếm đoạt tài khoản trực tuyến và thông tin cá nhân của nạn nhân," Redbord cho biết.
Đáng chú ý, TRM Labs phát hiện mối liên hệ trực tiếp giữa Nemesis và các nhà sản xuất hóa chất tại Trung Quốc. "Các quỹ từ Nemesis đã được chuyển trực tiếp đến các nhà cung cấp tiền chất hóa học Trung Quốc, những đơn vị cung cấp nguyên liệu cho sản xuất ma túy tổng hợp," Redbord nhấn mạnh.

Chiến Dịch Trấn Áp Tội Phạm Tiền Điện Tử
Mặc dù Nemesis là một nền tảng darknet lớn, nhưng vẫn nhỏ hơn nhiều so với các đối thủ trước đó. Chẳng hạn, Hydra Market, chợ đen tiếng Nga bị đánh sập vào năm 2022, có đến 17 triệu người dùng và doanh thu lên tới 5 tỷ USD.
Lệnh trừng phạt Parsarad diễn ra trong bối cảnh chính phủ Hoa Kỳ và các nước đồng minh đang đẩy mạnh cuộc chiến chống tội phạm tiền điện tử. Europol, cảnh sát liên bang Đức (BKA) và Cơ quan Tội phạm Quốc gia Anh (NCA) đã phối hợp triệt phá các chợ đen lớn như Hydra Market (2022), Monopoly Market (2023) và Nemesis (2024).
Ngoài ra, trong hai tuần qua, Liên minh Châu Âu (EU) đã cùng Hoa Kỳ và Anh áp đặt lệnh trừng phạt đối với sàn giao dịch tiền điện tử Garantex, vốn bị cáo buộc hỗ trợ người Nga lách lệnh trừng phạt từ sau cuộc xung đột Nga - Ukraine vào năm 2022.

Công Nghệ Blockchain - Con Dao Hai Lưỡi
Cơ quan thực thi pháp luật ngày càng tận dụng công nghệ blockchain để theo dõi và triệt phá các mạng lưới tội phạm. Redbord cho biết: "Việc nâng cao năng lực giám sát blockchain, hợp tác quốc tế và sử dụng các biện pháp trừng phạt mạnh mẽ đã giúp cơ quan chức năng phát hiện, phá vỡ và triệt tiêu các hệ sinh thái tiền điện tử phi pháp."
Dù có những tiến bộ đáng kể, các chợ đen trên darknet vẫn tiếp tục phát triển. Doanh thu từ những nền tảng này đã tăng từ 1,6 tỷ USD lên 1,7 tỷ USD trong năm 2024, cho thấy tội phạm tiền điện tử vẫn là một thách thức lớn đối với các cơ quan quản lý.
Cuộc chiến chống lại các thị trường darknet và dòng tiền bất hợp pháp trong tiền điện tử đang ngày càng trở nên khốc liệt. Sự phát triển của công nghệ blockchain không chỉ giúp tăng tính minh bạch cho hệ sinh thái tài chính mà còn trở thành công cụ lợi hại cho cả cơ quan chức năng lẫn tội phạm. Điều này đặt ra yêu cầu cấp bách về các biện pháp kiểm soát và hợp tác quốc tế chặt chẽ hơn để đảm bảo sự lành mạnh của thị trường tiền điện tử. #anhbacong