Decoding Hidden Darknet Networks: What We Learned About The Illicit Fentanyl Trade On AlphaBay

Yet, like the Hydra of Greek legend, whose heads multiply when they are severed, a new generation of darknet markets popped up to challenge for control of a market worth at least $1.37 billion, according to unofficial estimates. LegitScript’s investigative analysts frequently conduct research on both the surface web and dark web in our efforts to identify operators illegally selling drugs and other federally regulated products. Contact us to learn more about our expertise in identifying cybercriminals and mapping out the often complex networks they operate. Efforts by law enforcement agencies, including the National Crime Agency (NCA), SO15 Counter Terrorism Command (CTC), and the U.S.

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Understanding Darknet Markets

A good portion of the Deep Web is comprised of academic papers, medical information, and other gated data. However, hidden within the deep web is the dark web, which is where illicit criminal activity typically takes place. Throughout 2022, we observed a negative relationship between funds sent to regular darknet markets and those sent to single vendor shops. For instance, we see single vendor shop revenue spike beginning around March, around the same time traditional darknet market revenue began to fall. Similarly, single vendor shop revenue fell concurrently with the recovery of traditional darknet markets from around June through end of year. If convicted, Desnica will also have to forfeit any property linked to his criminal activity, derived or obtained directly or indirectly from darknet drug sales.

The Current State Of Dark Web Marketplaces

Anyway, now that he’s got his AlphaBay account all set up, he’s got to apply to be a vendor. The prized party drug of the 80’s is now spiked with sometimes-deadly fentanyl. Chicago is among the FBI field offices now executing “knock and talk” actions against drug buyers, telling them their dark web purchases have not been anonymous. Both of these claims correspond with previous research showing that the dark web is perceived to be a safer place to buy and sell drugs. Trade is booming despite disruptions from law enforcement and particularly “exit scams”, in which market admins abruptly close down sites and take all available funds.

The Rise of Darknet Drug Markets

In recent years, the darknet has emerged as a major marketplace for illegal drugs. Darknet drug markets, also known as cryptomarkets, are online marketplaces that operate darkweb onion links on the dark web, a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and is only accessible through specialized software such as the Tor browser.

What are Darknet Drug Markets?

The number of dark web listings that could harm an enterprise has risen by 20% since 2016. Of all listings (excluding those selling drugs), 60% could potentially harm enterprises. “As a buyer trying to figure out who you’re going to buy drugs from, the only way to make a logical decision is to look at how other people have rated the trustworthiness of that vendor and the quality of their product,” Haynie said.

Darknet drug markets are similar to traditional online marketplaces, but with a few key differences. They are designed to provide anonymity to both buyers and sellers, using encryption and other security measures to protect their identities. Transactions are typically conducted in cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, which further enhances the anonymity of the transactions.

Darknet drug markets offer a wide variety of drugs, including cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and prescription medications. Some markets specialize in specific types of drugs, such as dark web pornography psychedelics or opioids. Prices on darknet drug markets are often lower than those on the street, due to the lack of overhead costs associated with traditional drug dealing.

The Risks of Darknet Drug Markets

• Mackey et al [13] collected tweets related to the opioid topic to identify illicit online pharmacies and study the illegal sale of opioids in online marketing.
• A 2019 study, Into the Web of Profit, conducted by Dr. Michael McGuires at the University of Surrey, shows that things have become worse.
• In May 2023, an international law enforcement operation codenamed ‘SpecTor’ arrested 288 vendors of the Monopoly market and seized €50.8 million ($55.9M) in cash and cryptocurrency.
• The other advantage of not having to be in the same location is that drug dealers who sell over the dark web do not need a critical mass of customers to sustain themselves like they do with a localized market.
• This gives you some redress, even if resolving a dispute is not straightforward.
• The Aeroflot vendor shop was first indexed by DarkOwl Vision in January 2018.

While darknet drug markets offer convenience and anonymity, they also come with significant risks. Because transactions are conducted online, there is no way to physically inspect the drugs before purchasing them. This means that buyers may receive adulterated or contaminated products, or they may be scammed outright.

Additionally, because darknet drug markets operate outside of traditional legal frameworks, there is no recourse for buyers who are dissatisfied with their purchases. Law enforcement agencies have had some success in shutting down darknet drug markets, but new markets quickly emerge to take their place. This makes it difficult for authorities to keep up with the constantly changing landscape of darknet drug markets.

The Future of Darknet Drug Markets

Despite the risks associated with darknet drug markets, they continue to grow in popularity. This is due in part to the increasing acceptance of drug use in society, as well as the convenience and anonymity offered by the darknet. As long as there is demand for illegal drugs, there will likely be darknet drug markets to meet that demand.

However, it is important to note that the use of darknet drug markets is not without consequences. Users may face legal repercussions if they are caught, and they may also put themselves at risk of physical harm the dark internet if they receive adulterated or contaminated products. As such, it is important for users to be aware of the risks associated with darknet drug markets and to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves.