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.
The secret life of Alexandre Cazes alleged AlphaBay Darknet Market owner
Cazes valued his cash, cryptocurrencies, luxury cars, and properties at a total of $23 million USD.
At just 25 years old, Alexandre Cazes was reportedly the mastermind behind AlphaBay Darknet Market, the most lucrative dark web marketplace globally, according to U.S. government records. He was a millionaire with a collection of luxury cars and multiple properties in Thailand, Cyprus, and Antigua.
According to Cazes himself, his net worth was approximately $23 million US, which comprised $12.5 million in real estate and vehicles, with the remainder held in cash and cryptocurrencies.
Cazes, a resident of Trois-Rivières, Quebec, was detained in Thailand on July 5. This arrest stemmed from what U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions described as "one of the most significant criminal investigations of the year," which led to the closure of a marketplace that provided weapons, drugs, and stolen identities to more than 200,000 clients.
Cazes was discovered deceased in a Thai prison a week later, on July 12. U.S. Justice officials reported that he had died by suicide.
Despite seemingly thriving in the establishment of a highly lucrative illegal marketplace, he was ultimately taken down by a Hotmail account and an unencrypted laptop.
"A Remarkable Individual"
"He was an exceptionally intelligent person. I can't shake the feeling that his strong interest in money made me suspect he might engage in a scam at some stage," Joé Lacerte, a friend of Cazes, remarked in an interview with Radio-Canada.
"I’m familiar with his mother; she’s incredibly friendly. It’s unfortunate that she’s going through this. It's a pity he chose to use his intelligence in this way."
In the "About Me" section of AlphaBay Darknet Market, Cazes expressed his desire for the platform to evolve into "the largest eBay-style underworld marketplace," as reported in documents from the U.S. Department of Justice.
AlphaBay Market was projected to generate annual sales in the hundreds of millions of dollars, making it "significantly" larger than Silk Road, the former dark web marketplace that was dismantled by the U.S. government in 2013.
Doubts about allegations
According to his father, Martin Cazes, Cazes had been residing in Thailand for nearly four years. He founded AlphaBay Darknet Market in July 2014 and made it publicly available in December 2014.
U.S. authorities managed to locate Cazes using his Hotmail address, [email protected]. This address was found in the welcome email headers sent to new AlphaBay Market users in 2014, as well as in the headers of emails for password recovery.
Last week, Martin Cazes expressed on Facebook his skepticism about his son being the mastermind depicted in the legal documents. He mentioned that he would refrain from making extensive comments until an autopsy was conducted.
Cazes's stepmother, Kathy Gauthier, stated that both she and Alexandre's father questioned the validity of the FBI's accusations.
"We're feeling exhausted and want to come to terms with the situation. My spouse mentioned who Alexandre is last week, and we still hold that view. We're ready to move forward."
"If what the FBI claims is true, then he isn’t the Alexandre Cazes we know, but we will still love and forgive him regardless."
The RCMP in Montreal reported that Cazes was stopped in January by the Trois-Rivières police, during which he presented a Thai driver's license and claimed he was in town to visit his mother.
The RCMP conducted searches at a residence and a business, although they did not disclose the specific addresses, and took possession of multiple computers. Martin Cazes stated that his home was not among those searched.
"We are exploring the option of potential partners in Canada," said RCMP spokesperson Erique Gasse in an email.
Cars, houses, money
At the time of his arrest, Cazes was enjoying a lavish lifestyle in Thailand, owning several properties, luxury cars, and possessing substantial wealth. He was married and had even bought a villa close to his own home for his in-laws.
Authorities, including the Royal Thai Police, the FBI, and the DEA, discovered a spreadsheet detailing his assets on his unencrypted laptop during a raid of his primary residence in Thailand on July 5.
They found that he was logged into the AlphaBay Market website as the site administrator, allowing them to uncover passwords for the AlphaBay servers. Subsequently, they seized information and cryptocurrencies from those servers.
The U.S. government confiscated Cazes's assets, which comprised $6.6 million Canadian in bitcoin, $2.4 million in Ethereum, $622,000 in Monero, and $980,512 in Zcash. He held a minimum of 11 bank and cryptocurrency exchange accounts under his name or his wife's name across Thailand, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
In addition to cash, Cazes had a fondness for luxury vehicles, owning a 2013 Lamborghini Aventador, a Porsche Panamera, a Mini Cooper, and a BMW motorcycle.
He owned three properties in Bangkok and a vacation home in Phuket, Thailand. Cazes was also in the process of obtaining economic citizenship in Cyprus and had engaged the services of a citizenship consultant in that country. In February, he acquired Antiguan citizenship through a property purchase there.
Connection to Roosh V
Cazes was a prominent participant in a forum hosted by American blogger Roosh V, whose real name is Daryush Valizadeh. He is a self-proclaimed pickup artist known for his misogynistic attitudes and for advising men on how to seduce numerous women.
As stated in the forfeiture document, Cazes consistently paid his membership fees for the RooshV forum and often shared posts highlighting his financial achievements. He boasted about purchasing a Porsche Panamera, and when other members questioned his claim, he uploaded a video of himself driving the car.
He also shared advice on how to attract Thai women, while boasting about securing a "strong prenup," engaging in affairs outside his marriage, and informing his wife of her "upper weight limit."
He financed his membership using a PayPal account connected to various bank accounts in his name, including one in Canada.
In a post attributed to Roosh V on the forum, Roosh claimed he was unaware that Cazes was the administrator of AlphaBay Darknet Market and stated he would comply with any legitimate subpoena. However, he mentioned that Cazes "did not seem to introduce any illegal activities to the forum."