Darknet Gun Market
Understanding the Presence of Guns on Dark Web
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The dark web has gained notoriety for being a haven for illegal activities, including the sale of guns. This hidden portion of the internet enables users to trade anonymously, often leading to a lower risk of law enforcement intervention. Understanding how guns on dark web are accessed, traded, and the associated risks is crucial for those interested in the topic.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is that part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software, such as Tor, to access. This anonymity allows users to conduct transactions without revealing their identities.
The Market for Guns on Dark Web
The Armory is just one example of the many online stores that offer guns for sale, often boasting about their global shipping networks and private delivery services to avoid detection. However, this raises concerns about the ease with which people can purchase illegal weapons, adding to the already significant problem of gun violence in many countries.The sale of guns on the dark web is a topic shrouded in mystery and uncertainty. According to Holt, the distribution of firearms on the dark web is like a black hole, much like the sale of illegal drugs and pharmaceuticals. Despite the lack of knowledge about the extent of this illegal trade, it is clear that the use of the dark web allows for individuals to evade laws and regulations surrounding the sale and possession of firearms. They’re a trendy and popular choice for both gangsters and law enforcement. While some guns are obtained through theft or smuggling, many are legally purchased and then resold online.
- Similar to most other anonymity networks, Tor does not attempt to protect the monitoring of Tor boundary traffic with respect to incoming and outgoing traffic.
- KELA has found gun listings supposedly posted by Ukrainians on several darknet markets, some specialized in firearms.
- Also, Bitcoin is the only payment mode on almost all of these Darkweb gun links.
- She is the author of over 80 publications in the drugs field; 19 of these on ‘darknet’ drug markets.
Various marketplaces within the dark web facilitate the trade of guns. These platforms are often unregulated and can offer a range of firearms, from handguns to more sophisticated weaponry. Here’s a detailed look at some aspects of this market:
DIG was developed as part of the DARPA’s Memex initiative, which seeks to develop software and search technologies for countering human trafficking, the illegal arms trade and terrorism. It is currently being tested by six police departments and could expand to as many as 200 this year. “There is a lot of interest from law enforcement agencies,” Szekely said. In this instance, researchers collected data between 19th – 25th September 2016, sucking down listings from 12 marketplaces.
Multiple vendors on White House Market sale leaked databases, such as Dubai’s enterprises and UAE business directory costs as little as $129 USD. Meanwhile, Russia’s industry data with business names, domains, and contact information is only slightly more at $160 USD. All the “stores” we went through were gun shops — sometimes with ties to guerrilla groups or claims of links with militia armies in parts of Asia.
The sites have names like Evolution, Agora and Nucleus, where criminals can buy and sell all manner of illegal goods and services. The sites can attract hundreds of thousands of users, and pull in millions in monthly sales. ATF, as the Department of Justice bureau is known, is tasked with investigating violations of the laws that govern the sale of firearms. “The current federal legal framework of statutes and regulations governing the buying and selling of firearms does not specifically address the use of the Internet to facilitate these transactions,” the GAO report notes.
One seller is “Weapons Ukraine,” who list rifles, bulletproof vests, and grenades in their store, with prices ranging between $1,100 and $3,600, with promised delivery in Ukraine. No users have left a review yet, but the site’s statistics suggest that 32 complete purchases have been made. Allegedly, military-grade firearms coming from Western countries that were sent to support the Ukrainian army in their fight against Russia have been listed on multiple weapon marketplaces on the dark web. The first of its kind, a report from RAND Corporation details the ever-expanding role of the dark web in facilitating the sale of firearms, ammunition, and explosives. In addition to RAND, the report was compiled with the help of Judith Aldridge, a professor of criminology at the University of Manchester. Suicide bombers in Paris also used machine guns acquired on the black market, which were traced to a shop in Slovakia.
SIGAINT was a player on the Dark Web as well and was considered to be among the most popular and ubiquitous dark web email servers, favored by many individuals with an array of illicit interests. Here is a table comparing both platforms along with the surface web, which is the internet most of us use daily. For those not in the know, Uranium Ore is a chemical, that once refined, can be made into atomic material at the weapons-grade level. A site on the Dark Web called Black Bank offers what they call “fresh” social security numbers featuring credit scores topping out over 750 at affordable prices and with free shipping.
- Types of Firearms: Handguns, rifles, shotguns, and even machine guns can be found.
- Accessories: Items such as ammunition, silencers, and modifying kits are also available.
- Prices: The price of guns on dark web may vary depending on the type and legality of the weapon.
How Transactions Occur
Transactions involving guns on dark web typically follow a series of steps designed to maintain anonymity:
- Accessing Dark Web Marketplaces: Users must use specific browsers, such as Tor, to connect.
- Creating a Pseudonymous Account: Users create accounts using fictitious names and emails.
- Payment Methods: Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are commonly used to obscure transaction details.
- Escrow Services: Many marketplaces employ escrow services to hold payments until the buyer confirms receipt of the gun.
Risks Involved
While the anonymity of the dark web may seem appealing, there are significant risks involved in purchasing guns this way:
- Legal Consequences: Buying guns on dark web can lead to severe legal repercussions, including fines and imprisonment.
- Fraud: Many users have reported being scammed by sellers who do not deliver the promised products.
- Law Enforcement: Security agencies monitor the dark web for illegal transactions, increasing the likelihood of detection.
- Safety Hazards: Acquiring guns through illegal means raises questions about the weapon’s operational security and reliability.
FAQs about Guns on Dark Web
1. Are all transactions on the dark web illegal?
While not everything on the dark web is illegal, many transactions involving guns are, particularly when they violate local, national, or international laws.
2. How can one ensure safety while browsing the dark web?
Using strong security measures, such as VPNs, secure browsers, and staying informed about potential risks, is crucial for safety.
3. What are the legal alternatives to acquiring guns?
Legal means to acquire firearms include licensed dealers, gun shows, and private sales that comply with local laws and regulations.
Conclusion
The trade of guns on dark web presents a complex scenario involving legal, ethical, and practical considerations. Despite the allure of anonymity, the risks and consequences far outweigh the perceived benefits. Awareness and education about these issues are essential for anyone interested in the subject.
