Study Of Organized Crime
The Dark Web and Its Connection to Firearms
The product was then sent to labs for testing and came with a positive result (for meth) each time by the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Northeast Laboratory. GoSecure, a renowned provider of managed detection and response solutions complemented by its expert professional services, is elated to announce… Our friends at the Montreal startup called Flare Systems created a product called FireWork. We are now using what their platform for Darknet assesments and research.
The dark web has emerged as a shadowy corner of the internet, infamous for its illicit activities. One of the more disturbing aspects of this hidden realm is the trade of firearms, commonly referred to as the dark web gun marketplace.
From that data, the researchers estimate firearms and related goods generate 136 sales per month, and a monthly revenue of $80,000. Pistols were the most common item for sale, followed by rifles and sub-machine guns, the report reads. What that suggests is that the black market for 3D-printed gun designs will be much larger than today’s online market for regular firearms. The products are safer to transmit (since the seller need not use the Postal Service) and the inventory is limitless.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. Here are a few key aspects:
- Online purchases also involve fewer interactions with vendor employees, who are often critical sources of information for law enforcement.
- This shadowy and obscure corner of the internet is often used by ordinary citizens and whistleblowers to protect their privacy rights.
- It may come as a surprisethat the majority of these firearms are actually legal to purchase in the United States, as recent research published in Deviant Behavior has revealed.
- You’ll actually have to find the dark websites that you want to search on your own.
The gun dealers selling on the dark web, the internet’s notorious underbelly, were of course not out in the open. In order for buyers to find and communicate with the gun dealers, they had to use Tor software to browse the dark web, also called deep web or darknet. It is common for darknet vendors to talk about their delivery and stealth methods to reassure customers that their purchases will be delivered as advertised and not seized by the authorities. However, vendors and marketplaces must balance revealing enough information about their concealment techniques to gain their customers’ trust while not exposing their methods and routes resulting in law enforcement interdiction.
The researchers dug into shops, or single-owner websites, using Tor, an anonymising browser popular with dark web users. They employed a scaping tool to track disguised vendors selling firearms, as well as to identify patterns of their operations. The study, produced for Australian Institute of Criminology tracked darknet markets between July and December 2019 and found 2,124 weapons for sale—1,497 handguns, 219 rifles, 41 submachine guns and 34 shotguns.
Then, there are also commercially available remote access trojans and bots that nation states could leverage for more sophisticated attacks and espionage. The Anubis Bot, Azorult 3.3 AZORult Trojan (Version 3.3), and Spy MAX v1.0 – Android RAT are all currently available for sale across many darknet marketplaces and accessible via instant download link delivered upon purchase. Although the arms trade is small in volume compared to other products trafficked online, its potential impact on international security is significant. “In Australia, where firearms ownership is strictly regulated, illicit firearms are in demand by organized crime groups and criminals. One gun in the wrong hands can do damage,” Professor Broadhurst said.
District Judge Liam McNally released the accused on bail of £500 and conditions including staying at home overnight and not possessing a mobile phone or any other internet connected device. By signing up, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy & to receive electronic communications from Vice Media Group, which may include marketing promotions, advertisements and sponsored content. Get six of our favorite Motherboard stories every day by signing up for our newsletter.
- Anonymity: Users are often shielded by encryption technologies, providing a layer of privacy.
- Accessibility: It can be accessed using special browsers like Tor.
- Illicit Activities: A variety of illegal transactions occur, including drug sales and firearm trading.
The Dark Web Gun Marketplace
The dark web gun marketplaces have garnered significant attention due to their ease of access and the breadth of products available. Here are some notable attributes:
- Wide Range of Products: Sellers offer everything from handguns to assault rifles, often without background checks.
- Cryptocurrency Payments: Transactions are typically conducted using cryptocurrencies, making it challenging to trace them back to individuals.
- Global Reach: Sellers can ship firearms internationally, bypassing domestic laws and regulations.
Risks Associated with Buying Firearms on the Dark Web
Purchasing a dark web gun involves various risks that potential buyers must acknowledge:
- Legal Consequences: Many jurisdictions impose strict penalties for the illegal purchase of firearms.
- Quality and Reliability: The quality of weapons and ammunition sold is often questionable; buyers may receive defective items.
- Scams: Many sellers are fraudulent, taking payment without delivering any product.
- Personal Safety: Engaging in illegal transactions can expose individuals to violent retribution or criminal charges.
FAQs about Dark Web Gun Transactions
Is it legal to buy guns on the dark web?
No, purchasing firearms on the dark web is illegal in many countries, and doing so can lead to severe criminal charges.
How do transactions work for dark web guns?
Transactions typically involve cryptocurrency for anonymity, and communications are usually conducted through encrypted channels.
Can guns purchased on the dark web be traced?
While the dark web offers some anonymity, it is not completely untraceable. Law enforcement agencies are becoming increasingly skilled at tracking transactions and identifying sellers.
What should someone consider before attempting to buy a gun on the dark web?
- Legal Issues: Understand the laws in your jurisdiction regarding firearm ownership and illegal purchases.
- Safety Concerns: Consider personal safety and the potential consequences of engaging in illicit activities.
- Ethical Considerations: Reflect on the morality of acquiring weapons through illegal means.
Conclusion
The dark web gun market is a reflection of a broader issue surrounding gun control and illegal trafficking. The combination of anonymity, lack of regulation, and the ability to conduct transactions in cryptocurrency poses challenges for law enforcement and society. Potential buyers must weigh the substantial risks against any perceived benefits, as engaging in such activities can have dire consequences.
