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.
Onion addresses can change because of key rotation, DDoS mitigation, takedowns, migrations, or compromise. Old links and bookmarks can go stale, so verify the current address through a trusted source and record the date you checked it.
Monero (XMR) is a privacy-focused cryptocurrency. Many darknet markets accept or prefer it because transactions are designed to obscure sender, receiver, and amount, though no system is perfectly anonymous in every context.

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Dormant Nucleus Wallet Moves $77.5M in Bitcoin

After almost 10 years of being inactive, a Bitcoin wallet linked to the darknet market Nucleus has suddenly come to life. On March 7, 2025 the wallet moved $77.5 million worth of Bitcoin to three different addresses, leaving behind a balance of over $365 million.

This sparked a lot of chatter about what’s going on with the money whether the original owner is back in action, or if someone else has somehow gained access to the wallet.

Nucleus Wallet Gets Active Again

Nucleus was once one of the largest darknet markets on the web. It operated until 2016 and then disappeared without any warning or major law enforcement crackdown. It just shut down, leaving people to wonder if the operators pulled the plug on purpose or if something else caused the platform’s sudden exit.

Fast forward to today, and the wallet tied to Nucleus has started moving again. There are two possible explanations for this: either the original owner has finally decided to access the funds, or someone’s cracked the wallet’s keys and is now using it. Big transfers from dormant wallets like this are often seen as suspicious.

Crypto Crimes on the Rise

It’s not just the Nucleus wallet causing a stir—there’s been a string of major hacks in the crypto world lately. Ethereum losses alone have topped $1.5 billion, and Bybit, a crypto exchange, experienced the biggest hack in the industry’s history in February 2025. Hackers managed to breach Bybit’s cold wallet and sent the funds to other anonymous addresses, though Bybit’s CEO assured the public that the company is still solvent and will cover the losses.

But it’s not just exchanges that are getting targeted. A Russian crypto laundering network was uncovered in December 2024 by the UK's National Crime Agency. This group had been laundering billions of pounds through crypto exchanges, including Garantex, and eventually, several arrests were made and assets seized.

Crypto Infrastructure Hacks

It’s not just the money that's at risk -crypto infrastructure is also under attack. AdsPower, a company providing anti-detection technology for browsers, was hit by a hack in January 2025. The attackers used a modified version of the company’s plugin to steal users' mnemonic phrases and private keys. Within a few days, over $4.7 million in crypto was taken.

The same month, the Arbitrum network, which supports decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, was also targeted. Hackers exploited a private key leak on the Moby platform, taking around $2.5 million worth of USDC, WESH, and WBTC. But in a rare turn of events, an ethical hacker managed to track down the flaw in the hacker's contract and recover about $1.5 million of the stolen funds.