The darknet, also known as the dark web, is a concealed section of the internet that's inaccessible via standard search engines. You can only access it using special software, settings, or authorization. This area comprises websites and content that are purposely kept hidden from public view.
Accessing darknet requires using Tor Browser, a special web browser that routes your internet traffic through a global network of relays managed by volunteers. This way, it becomes very difficult to trace which websites you're visiting, and these sites won't know where you are located.
When visiting the dark web, use a secure browser like Tor, do not reveal any of your personal information, and don't open suspicious files or links to stay safe.
The Darknet is often utilized for secure communication, discreet information or file sharing, anonymous research without identity exposure, and occasionally for engaging in illicit activities. It is also recognized for hosting underground black markets(darknet markets), whistleblowing platforms, and discussion boards that champion freedom of speech.
While accessing Darknet Markets themselves is typically not against the law in most places, engaging with illicit goods within them is generally considered a crime. On the other hand, some people might visit Darknet Markets for lawful purposes such as research, journalistic work, or simply to explore online communities. It's essential to know the local laws regarding online activities, and be cautious when using these platforms to avoid any potential issues.
BreachForums founder resentenced to 3 years in prison after free pass revoked by US courts
Conor Fitzpatrick, the 22-year-old creator of the notorious darknet forum BreachForums, is heading back to prison after a federal appeals court overturned his earlier light sentence. The court revoked his original 17-day “time served” ruling and instead sentenced him to three years in federal prison.
According to the US Department of Justice, Fitzpatrick also known online as Pompompurin, was behind one of the largest darknet hacking markets where stolen data was sold. His resentencing marks a major shift from the previous lenient decision that had allowed him to serve no prison time.
Federal prosecutors had originally pushed for a 15-year sentence, calling his earlier punishment far too light. Fitzpatrick was first arrested in March 2023 at age 20 for running BreachForums, a darknet forum where hackers bought and sold stolen data, personal information and child sexual abuse material.
The Department of Justice described BreachForums as a market for cybercriminals to trade hacked or stolen data and other illegal material. Fitzpatrick ran the forum from Peekskill, New York, after the FBI shut down its predecessor, RaidForums.
In early 2024, Fitzpatrick was sentenced to 20 years of supervised release, including two years of home confinement, which meant no time in prison. Many in the cybersecurity community viewed this as a slap on the wrist. Prosecutors appealed, calling the deal “substantively unreasonable,” leading to the new sentencing hearing on September 16.
As part of his plea agreement, Fitzpatrick agreed to forfeit more than 100 domain names, several electronic devices, and pay $700,000 in restitution to healthcare provider Nonstop Health, along with $3,000 to each victim affected. The new ruling also requires him to pay an additional $1,016,786.51 in restitution.
The allegations
US Attorney Erik S. Siebert said Fitzpatrick profited from selling vast amounts of stolen information, including personal and business data. Siebert added that the scale of his crimes made the damage nearly impossible to measure and that law enforcement will continue pursuing criminals who operate in the darknet.
BreachForums, launched in March 2022, quickly became one of the largest English-language hacker communities on the darknet, reaching more than 330,000 members. The forum offered everything from bank account details and social security numbers to hacking tools and stolen login credentials.
Court records show that Fitzpatrick sold access to verified hacked databases through a credit-based system. In total he offered at least 888 stolen data sets containing over 14 billion individual records. Victims included major companies and agencies such as AT&T, T-Mobile, EPA, WhatsApp, TikTok, OpenAI and Trump Hotels among many others.
Before his resentencing, Fitzpatrick repeatedly violated parole conditions. He was caught using a VPN without court-approved monitoring software and was found in possession of more than 600 explicit images and videos of minors under 12. These violations, combined with his mental health struggles and a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, influenced the court’s earlier leniency.
Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty in July 2023 to conspiracy to commit access device fraud, unauthorized access device use, and possession of child pornography avoiding a full trial.
A deal gone wrong
After his March 2023 arrest, Fitzpatrick was released on a $300,000 bond. His short time in custody led to speculation that he was cooperating with authorities and sharing information about other darknet operations.
Following his arrest, BreachForums was briefly revived by his associate, Baphomet, who was later caught by the FBI. The hacker group Shiny Hunters then took over and relaunched the darknet site several times, but the FBI has since regained control.
Today, any version of BreachForums found online is believed to be an FBI honeypot used to identify and track cybercriminals still operating within the darknet.