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.
Major Crackdown on Cryptocurrency Criminal Network in Russia Leads to Arrests and Asset Seizures
In a major operation, Russian law enforcement agencies have detained nearly 100 suspects. They are linked to the Cryptex exchange, the UAPS anonymous payment service, and 33 other sites. These sites facilitated illegal transactions and the trading of stolen credentials.
The crackdown involved 148 coordinated raids across the country. It resulted in the arrest of 96 individuals. They were accused of various offenses, including: organizing and participating in a criminal enterprise, hacking, illegal payments, and unlawful banking.
A press release from the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation (ICR) said the group had been operating since 2013. The members, described as possessing significant banking knowledge, established a criminal organization for the purposes of committing fraud and amassing personal wealth. Investigators revealed the organization engaged in various illegal activities. These included currency and crypto exchanges, cash handling, and selling bank cards and accounts. The main clients were cybercriminals and hackers who wanted to launder their profits.
Irina Volk, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, said that the defendants issued bank cards. They also granted access to personal online accounts. This further helped their criminal operations.
In an impressive demonstration of their scale, Russian investigators reported that a criminal network processed over 112 billion rubles (about $1.1 billion) in transactions in 2023. It made an estimated 3.7 billion rubles (about $38.7 million) in illegal profits.
The operation seized considerable assets. These included over 1.5 billion rubles, Robinson Helicopters, and high-end vehicles like Bentleys, Rolls Royces, Porsches, and Tesla Cybertrucks. It also included boats and snowmobiles.
A key arrest in the operation is Sergey Ivanov. He is a notorious money launderer known online as 'Taleon'. Last week, Ivanov was targeted with sanctions by the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The U.S. government has linked Ivanov's services—UAPS, PinPays, and PM2BTC—to significant sums of money. They reportedly helped criminals move hundreds of millions of dollars over the past two decades. These criminals include ransomware attackers, darknet marketplace vendors, and initial access brokers.
In addition to Ivanov, authorities also apprehended Timur Shakhmametov. Also known online as "JokerStash" and "Vega." He has been charged with money laundering, bank fraud, and running websites that sold stolen credit card info and personal data. The U.S. Department of Justice claims that Shakhmametov was involved with Joker's Stash, a major carding market. It made nearly $1 billion from 2014 to 2021 before its shutdown.
The U.S. State Department has placed a bounty of up to $11 million through its Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program for information that could lead to the arrest or prosecution of Ivanov and Shakhmametov.
In a related development, Dutch authorities seized servers of PM2BTC and Cryptex. They also seized over $7 million in cryptocurrency. German law enforcement confiscated 47 crypto exchanges. They were used to launder the profits of cybercriminals, including ransomware gangs.
This comprehensive crackdown highlights the ongoing efforts to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks operating within the cryptocurrency landscape, showcasing international collaboration between law enforcement agencies in addressing cybercrime and illicit financial activities.