How Many Police Agencies Are Going After Darknet Markets

FBI, British Authorities Seize Infrastructure Of LockBit Ransomware Group

People use the darknet,Footnote 1 the most popular being The Onion Router, known as Tor (Demant et al. 2018a, b; Lacson and Jones 2016; Martin 2014a, 2014b). According to the latest report (2021), the Tor network is the largest darknet and contains most channels for those lovers, with at least 200,000 onion services worldwide in mid-2020 (servers inside the Tor darknet). Although it is possible to provide a specific estimate of the number of darknet users in a country, it is not feasible to precisely identify their reasons for using darknets (Laferriere and Decary-Hetu 2022; Munksgaard and Tzanetakis 2022; Tor 2021).

The Global Efforts Against Darknet Markets

As the digital landscape evolves, so do the means by which illegal activities are conducted, particularly through darknet markets. These marketplaces serve as platforms for a range of illicit goods, from drugs to stolen data, making law enforcement’s task increasingly complex. The question arises: how many police agencies are going after darknet markets? The response is multifaceted.

It allows for peer-to-peer transactions without the need for a central authority, such as a bank or government. But in a plot twist right out of a spy novel, a cyber attacker stole thousands of bitcoins from Silk Road and hid them away. Record high ransomware and data extortion incidents experienced by Western nations last year have prompted former National Security Agency Director Michael Rogers to call for a reevaluation of their cybersecurity defense strategy. Europol said Tuesday the seizure of Monopoly Market’s criminal infrastructure provided “troves of evidence” authorities used to compile “intelligence packages” for investigators to pursue.

Understanding Darknet Markets

• They include keyword identification, database identification and keyword search, and expert advice on relevant literature (Tranfield et al. 2003).
• Thus, the current study uses the Biblioshiny app, a web-based app included in the bibliometric package to support plain text files for WoS, to analyze and build data matrices for co-citation, coupling, scientific collaboration, and others (Fig. 2).
• Like SteathMole’s Darkweb Tracker, these tools help investigators index and analyze content, extract relevant information, and uncover hidden connections among cybercriminals.

Usually, these operations are carried out covertly until enough evidence has been gathered to shut down the illicit operation. At that point, oftentimes, the law enforcement group will conduct heavy DDoS attacks (or other attack methodologies) against the marketplace or forum to shut it down, leaving a “this domain has been seized” notice on a website’s landing page. At the same time, darknet markets remain highly “resilient” as well as “viable and widespread despite turnover due to takedowns, shutdowns and exits,” Flashpoint’s Gray said. Despite repeated takedowns by law enforcement, darknet markets continue to thrive.

However, 334 cash-out service entities (mainstream exchanges, high-risk exchanges and mixers) that received funds from both Hydra and its top five successors (Mega, Blacksprut, OMG!OMG!, Kraken and Solaris) showed an overlap of just under 50 percent. Given that these stores often operate under new names, it is difficult to assess with absolute certainty whether they were present on Hydra or just planting the reviews for publicity. However, Flashpoint’s cryptocurrency analysis performed in September 2022 found that some of the exchanges that received funds from Hydra (e.g. Bitzlato, MINE exchange, Bitpapa,) were also receiving funds from OMG! TRM Labs adds that eight of the top 10 mainstream exchanges that received funds from Hydra before its shutdown also received funds from its successor entities over the subsequent year. The takedown of Hydra market undoubtedly caused a major rupture in the Russian darknet market ecosystem. In its wake, the US has also sanctioned several mixers and risky exchanges that handled stolen funds and which had exposure to Hydra wallets.

Changes in personal circumstances impact the professional lives of many, especially during global pandemics, and darknet market operators are no exception. On January 12th 2022, UniCC – a darknet marketplace for stolen credit cards – announced its retirement on a prominent carding forum. UniCC had risen to become market leader following the retirement of Joker’s Stash, and amassed sales of $358 million. The Hydra marketplace allowed users to purchase a wide range of illicit goods and services, including illegal drugs, fake IDs and money laundering and hacking services. Operation SpecTor was a collaborative initiative across JCODE members, including the Department of Justice, FBI, DEA, USPIS, HSI, IRS-CI, ATF, Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), and the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations. This operation was aided by non-operational supporting participation from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and U.S.

One of the most notorious examples of this is the vanishing act of AlphaBay, which happened in July 2017. AlphaBay was one of the largest darknet markets in existence, with a user base of more than 200,000 people. The size and scope of AlphaBay made its sudden disappearance all the more shocking, and it left many users wondering what had happened to their money and their personal data. The operation, which was conducted across the United States, Australia, and Europe, was a result of the continued partnership between JCODE and foreign law enforcement against the illegal sale of drugs and other illicit goods and services. Operation Dark HunTor builds on the success of last year’s Operation DisrupTor and the coordinated law enforcement takedown earlier this year of DarkMarket, the world’s then-largest illegal marketplace on the Darknet. At the time, German authorities arrested the marketplace’s alleged operator and seized the site’s infrastructure, providing investigators across the world with a trove of evidence.

Before delving into the enforcement actions, it’s essential to understand what darknet markets are. They are online platforms that require specific software, configurations, or authorization to access, often using cryptocurrency to maintain anonymity. Popular examples include Silk Road and AlphaBay, although many others have emerged since their closures.

Global Law Enforcement Involvement

Multiple law enforcement agencies worldwide are actively involved in combating the activities on these platforms. Here is an overview of the key players:

• FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) – United States
• Europol – European Union
• Interpol – Global
• DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) – United States
• NCA (National Crime Agency) – United Kingdom

These agencies collaborate in various operations and investigations, employing numerous tactics to infiltrate and dismantle darknet markets.

Collaboration and Multi-Agency Operations

International collaboration plays a crucial role in effectively targeting darknet markets. Initiatives often include:

1. Joint Task Forces – Combining resources and intelligence across borders.
2. Operation Disruptor – A significant global effort resulting in over 170 arrests.
3. Training and Resources – Providing local law enforcement with the skills needed to tackle cybercrime.

One notable operation was conducted in 2020, where numerous agencies participated in Operation Disruptor, leading to significant arrests and the seizure of large quantities of illicit goods.

Challenges in Targeting Darknet Markets

Despite ongoing efforts, several challenges complicate law enforcement’s ability to effectively combat darknet markets:

• Anonymity – The use of advanced encryption and privacy-focused cryptocurrencies complicates tracking.
• Jurisdictional Issues – Activities often span multiple countries, creating legal challenges.
• Technological Advancements – Continuous evolution of security measures by criminals outpaces law enforcement capabilities.

Future Approaches

Looking forward, law enforcement agencies are adapting their strategies to keep up with the dynamic nature of darknet marketplaces. Future approaches may include:

• Enhanced Cyber Intelligence – Utilizing AI and machine learning for more efficient threat detection.
• Community Engagement – Collaborating with tech companies to create reporting mechanisms for suspicious activities.
• Increased Public Awareness – Educating the public on the dangers of engaging in darknet markets.

FAQs

Q: How many police agencies are actively working against darknet markets?

A: Numerous agencies globally, including the FBI, Europol, Interpol, and specific national agencies, are working collaboratively.

Q: What strategies do police use to combat these markets?

A: Strategies include joint operations, undercover investigations, and employing advanced technology to track illicit activities.

Q: What are the main challenges faced by law enforcement?

A: Major challenges include the anonymity of users, jurisdictional differences across borders, and evolving technology used by criminals.

Conclusion

The battle against darknet markets is ongoing and requires extensive collaboration and innovative strategies. The number of police agencies involved is significant, highlighting the seriousness of the threat posed by these markets to global safety and security. As technology progresses, so too must the tactics employed to ensure that these illegal platforms are effectively targeted and dismantled.