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.
Russian National Receives 40-Month Sentence for Trafficking Stolen Financial Data on the Darknet
Russian National Receives 40-Month Sentence for Trafficking Stolen Financial Data on the Darknet
Using the name 'TeRorPP,' Georgy Kavzharadze sold approximately 300,000 login credentials.
On August 14, 2024, a 27-year-old from Moscow, Russia, Georgy Kavzharadze, was sentenced to 40 months in prison. He sold stolen financial data, login credentials, and PII on a Darknet Market called Slilpp. The Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division has announced.
On February 16, 2024, Kavzharadze pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly presided over the case. Along with the prison sentence, Judge Kollar-Kotelly also mandated that Kavzharadze pay restitution amounting to $1,233,521.47.
Kavzharadze, also referred to as "George," has used online aliases such as “TeRorPP,” “Torqovec,” and “PlutuSS.” In Cyrillic, his name is written as ГЕОРГИЙ КАХОВИЧ КАВЖАРАДЗЕ.
Court documents reveal that between July 2016 and May 2021, Kavzharadze, operating under the alias “TeRorPP,” offered over 626,100 stolen login credentials for sale on Slilpp, successfully selling more than 297,300 of them on the Darknet market. These stolen credentials were associated with $1.2 million in fraudulent transactions. On May 27, 2021, Kavzharadze's Slilpp account featured 240,495 login credentials available for purchase, which could be used by buyers to steal funds from victims' online payment and bank accounts. The credentials granted access to accounts with banks in New York, California, Nevada, and Georgia. Kavzharadze accepted Bitcoin as payment. An FBI investigation linked him to withdrawals exceeding $200,000 in profits from Slilpp through his Bitcoin account.
In June 2021, the FBI, alongside international law enforcement agencies, took coordinated action to dismantle Slilpp by seizing its infrastructure and domain names. The Slilpp database held extensive historical data on its vendors, customers, and transactions. It included subscriber and payment details for accounts that bought and sold login credentials. This database provided an accurate record of known transactions and subscriber details, which also included purchases made by undercover FBI agents.
On August 24, 2021, Kavzharadze was indicted for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, along with charges of bank fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He was later extradited to the United States, where he made his first court appearance on May 18, 2022, in U.S. District Court. Since his extradition, Kavzharadze has been in detention.