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Understanding Darknet Drug Markets
As darknet marketplaces are shaped by various degrees of anonymity, trust is presented as a multidimensional social practice which is difficult to establish between exchange partners and fragile once achieved. The target group of the research, composed of potential customers, ranked the reliable delivery of goods (TF 18) as the most important trust factor when buying illicit drugs on the darknet. This result is in line with the findings of a wide range of previous research, claiming that the highest risk of the online drug purchase process is in the delivery and receipt stage (Bancroft & Reid, 2016; Espinosa, 2019; Jardine, 2021; Lorenzo-Dus & Di Cristofaro, 2018). Although this survey study was not conducted among actual darknet market users, our findings and its extensive support by previous literature suggest that delivery issues indeed drive the recent stall in the volume of the darknet drug trade.
The empirical research findings of this study have provided lessons that can be used in the design of future criminological research and the strategic planning of criminal policy. The main contribution of this research is the development of the trust matrix, which can enhance criminological research on how trust works in darknet transactions. Based on the results, the developed trust metric can be further extended and queried among actual darknet market users. The responses given by potential darknet market customers highlighted the role of delivery, vendor reliability, and anonymity-related trust factors in their risk perception.
When exploring the question of what is a darknet drug market like, it’s essential to delve into the intricate web of online platforms that facilitate the sale and purchase of illicit substances. Darknet drug markets operate within hidden parts of the internet, accessible only through specialized software such as Tor.
Data protection, privacy, and legal information form another necessary category of trust factors. Registration data, legal documents, and guidelines indicating buyer and seller rights and obligations are also listed here (Karimov & Brengman, 2014). Providing information on privacy protection is essential for legally operating web markets.
Then there are mirror sites on the surface web that provide hyperlinks to corresponding hidden sites, and “invitation-only” markets where users need to be referred by a current user, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) says. Not only do you get automated monitoring, but your security analysts get contextualized alerts about dark web threats. From leaked credentials or stolen company data for sale and signs of targeted attacks, Flare provides comprehensive dark web threat detection.
Characteristics of Darknet Drug Markets
Analysis from the World Drug Report 2023 suggests that whilst the average buyer is spending more on drug transactions (rising from $100 per transaction in 2018 to $500 in 2021), the number of active buyers and transactions have notably decreased. Perhaps one of the most well-known functions of the darknet is its hosting of large-scale drug markets. This was no more visible than with the rise of the Silk Road marketplace in the early 2010s. Founded by Ross Ulbricht (aka Dread Pirate Roberts), the Silk Road sold a large variety of items, but was an infamous drug marketplace – with drugs accounting for 70% of the drugs sold in spring 2013. Silk Road was eventually shut down by the FBI in October 2013, following the arrest of Ross Ulbricht.
Darknet drug markets are defined by several key characteristics:
- Anonymity: Users often engage via pseudonyms, maintaining a layer of privacy that protects their identities.
- Decentralization: Many of these markets operate without a central authority, making them harder to shut down.
- Payment Methods: Cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin, is the preferred method of transaction to ensure anonymity.
- User Reviews: Similar to traditional e-commerce platforms, users can leave feedback and ratings for vendors, fostering a trust-based system.
- Variety of Offerings: These markets typically feature a wide array of drugs, from commonly known substances to obscure and dangerous compounds.
Many of them use Tor for anonymous access, and conduct transactions through Bitcoin and escrow services. Some also have a rating system for vendors, just like the original Silk Road. Since 2013, other dark web marketplaces have taken over, and the proliferation of these services is largely due to the success of the Silk Road. It’s the original inspiration for an extremely profitable underground global trade that continues today.
The other advantage of not having to be in the same location is that drug dealers who sell over the dark web do not need a critical mass of customers to sustain themselves like they do with a localized market. And, as with other online marketplaces, customers can also view feedback about the quality of drugs sold by suppliers, once again making it all the more easier for the illegal drug market to thrive. “The earliest modern online anonymous markets, often referred to as darknet markets or cryptomarkets, appeared in early 2010, and evolved from an encrypted email service and migrated on to a Tor anonymity network to guarantee better anonymity to users. The first darknet market of notoriety was Silk Road, which opened at the end of January 2011 and was seized by the FBI in October 2013. Silk Road 2.0 was launched soon after the original Silk Road was seized and since that time there has been a proliferation of darknet markets,” the EMCDDA website adds.
Buying Process in Darknet Drug Markets
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The process of purchasing drugs on these platforms often involves several steps:
- Accessing the Market: Users typically use Tor to access specific URLs associated with drug markets.
- Creating an Account: Most markets require users to sign up and create an account, often with minimal personal information.
- Browsing Products: Users can explore a wide range of listings, with detailed descriptions and prices.
- Making a Purchase: After selecting a product, buyers complete the transaction using cryptocurrency.
- Waiting for Delivery: Sellers ship the purchased drugs, often through mail or other covert methods.
Risks and Challenges
Engaging in darknet drug markets poses significant risks:
- Legal Consequences: Law enforcement agencies monitor these markets, and users can face serious legal repercussions.
- Scams and Fraud: There is a considerable risk of encountering dishonest sellers, leading to loss of money or receiving counterfeit products.
- Health Hazards: The quality and purity of drugs purchased from these markets are often unregulated, posing serious health risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of drugs are commonly sold on darknet markets?
Darknet markets offer a broad range of substances, including:
- Cannabis
- Stimulants (like cocaine and amphetamines)
- Hallucinogens (such as LSD and psilocybin mushrooms)
- Opioids (including heroin and fentanyl)
- Synthetic drugs (like designer drugs and research chemicals)
How do darknet drug markets evade law enforcement?
- In 2024, we anticipate an expansion in the variety and complexity of these services.
- At the same time, the Abacus market, which provides everything from guns and drugs to stolen data, forged documents, and hacker services, had almost perfect customer reviews for its criminal marketplace.
- We have listed three factors under the anonymity and encryption category.
- With the operation started by German and US law enforcement in 2021, Hydra’s Germany-based servers were taken down in April 2022.
These markets employ several strategies to stay under the radar, such as:
- Regularly changing domain names and obfuscating online presence
- Encrypted communications to protect user identities
- Decentralized server structures that make it difficult to shut down
Can you get refunds or resolve disputes?
While some markets have mechanisms for dispute resolution, refunds are not guaranteed. User reviews and ratings play a crucial role in determining the reliability of sellers.
In conclusion, understanding what a darknet drug market is like involves recognizing its complex environment, risks, and the allure it holds for those seeking illicit substances. The interplay of anonymity, variety, and danger makes it a unique but perilous aspect of the online landscape.
