Teenager Charged With Attempting To Buy Gun And Ammunition On Dark Web
Convincing a gang member that you weren’t with the police and that you were serious was tricky enough, even before you made sure that they didn’t just take your money and give you a dud. The researchers note such digital products pose “additional challenges,” to law enforcement. The seller made a number of gun-related sales via the darknet before being arrested, each time wrapping the products in plastic and then in Mylar bags before finally disguising them in food packaging. The message comes as thousands of young people across North America demand an end to gun violence, and the Trudeau government moves to tighten laws on the licensing, sale and tracing of firearms. “The volume can be considered sufficiently high to be cause for concern for policy makers and law enforcement agencies,” concluded Giacomo Paoli, one of the authors of the RAND report. Michael Andrew Ryan, a.k.a. “Gunrunner,” was a 35-year old man from Manhattan, Kansas.
Understanding the Presence of Guns on Dark Web
These weapons were supposedly put aside from the received supplies and are now being sold to terrorists looking to buy rocket launchers and other high-impact attack systems. Analysing the ‘supplier ID’ for an indication of the country of origin (e.g. ‘balkanweapons’, ‘dutchmarket’ and ‘USuser’). But what the father-of-two thought were legitimate dark net market sellers were in fact investigators from US Homeland Security, who then passed on the evidence to the NCA.
Police forces across the country have warned of the availability of weapons on dark net markets. A Glock pistol and 200 rounds of ammunition was destined for delivery to his home before American homeland security agents discovered the weapon. Britain does not rank on the Small Arms Survey top 25 ranked countries and territories. Forum’s tell you, not unlike Brad Pitt’s fight club, that the first rule of darknet gun market DWMs is that you don’t talk about DWMs. This is also considered a trusted weapon site with almost 17 products listed. The products are mainly stocked with pistols and with a few rifles too.
Extremely hardcore, even RPGs and hand grenades are also available, along with pistols, snipers, and rifles. It contains just 2 listed products such as the Glock and the Walther. Else, you can purchase Ammo separately; it charges only a 5GBP fee for shipping.
The dark web has become a significant area of interest for law enforcement and the general public alike due to its illicit activities, including the sale of guns on dark web marketplaces. This article explores how firearms are traded in these hidden corners of the internet, the implications, and the challenges faced by authorities in monitoring such transactions.
“We say it was apparent from the exchanges that the attempt to possess the firearms was in the context of the ongoing feud in Carrickfergus at the time,” said the prosecution QC. She said covert evidence was obtained between 23 March and 6 April and a meeting was arranged for last Thursday during which the boy handed over £150 in cash for 100 rounds of ammunition. The teenager was detained in a police operation at the Riverside retail park, in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, on Thursday morning. Police said he had allegedly handed over £150 for the ammunition to an operative, believing he could later purchase a machine gun.
Instead of exotic or rare firearms, the researchers saw handguns – the kinds of weapons someone in the US could buy from stores or vendors with a license. Roughly three-fifths of the weapons sold on a selection of dark web marketplaces originate from the United States, according to a new study examining the scope of the internet’s black market arms trade. Carnegie Mellon University’s Nicolas Christin said that dark web illegal gun sales comprise less than 3 percent of the illegal trading that takes place there, according to Fast Company. However, guns are sold via the dark web, as well as child porn, stolen social security and credit card data, and other identity theft data. Mainstream search engines cover only about 20 percent of the internet, with the majority of users avoiding the dark net and the so-called deep web. While this vast parallel online universe is at times a den of iniquity and shady dealings, including the trade of illegal weapons, it can also be used for other purposes.
The most common categories were handguns (70.5 per cent), followed by rifles (10.3 per cent), ammunition (3.7 per cent), submachine guns (1.9 per cent), explosives (1.7 per cent), shotguns (1.6 per cent) and accessories (1.1per cent). Digital products (5.3 per cent), CBRN (0.64 per cent) and miscellaneous weapons (3.3 per cent) were only listed on omnibus markets. “We know so little about the distribution of firearms sold on the Dark Web that it’s kind of a black hole, similar to illicit pharmaceuticals and narcotics. We know people buy them online, but we don’t know to what extent,” said Thomas Holt, Professor of criminal justice and co-author of the research. The ATF is focused on stopping illegal firearms and ammunition sales online.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines, requiring specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. It is often associated with illegal activities due to its anonymity and lack of regulation.
How Are Guns on Dark Web Traded?
Firearms transactions on the dark web typically occur through several mechanisms:
- The illegal drugs market was by far the biggest on the dark web, discovered researchers, with about 71 per cent of all vendors selling drugs.
- We handed over an envelope of cash and with a few swipes and keystrokes, I had Bitcoin on my phone.
- Towards one end of the spectrum, there are swindlers waiting to scam and some law enforcement agents masquerading as arms dealers.
- Most of these are innocuous instructions for the most novice to the underground criminal operations, such as carding, identity fraud, basic social engineering, and technical ‘hacking’ manuals covering basic network penetration.
- Cryptocurrency Transactions: Payments are often made using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to provide anonymity for buyers and sellers.
- Anonymous Marketplaces: Platforms specifically designed for the dark web offer listings for firearms, ammunition, and related accessories.
- Forums and Peer-to-Peer Sales: Individuals may engage in direct sales through encrypted messaging services or forums.
Risks and Legal Implications
Engaging in the purchase or sale of guns on dark web platforms poses numerous risks:
- Legal Consequences: Many jurisdictions have strict laws regarding firearms. Purchasing weapons illegally can lead to severe legal penalties.
- Scams and Fraud: The anonymity of the dark web means there is a risk of being scammed, with sellers taking money without delivering goods.
- Safety Concerns: Transactions could involve dangerous individuals or groups, leading to potential violence or other criminal activities.
The Challenge for Law Enforcement
Monitoring and regulating the trade of guns on dark web presents significant challenges for law enforcement agencies:
- Anonymity: The use of advanced encryption and anonymity tools makes it difficult to trace buyers and sellers.
- Rapidly Changing Marketplaces: Dark web sites can appear and disappear rapidly, complicating ongoing investigations.
- International Jurisdiction Issues: Many transactions involve parties from different countries, complicating legal proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it safe to buy guns on dark web?
No, purchasing firearms on the dark web is illegal and highly unsafe, exposing buyers to legal issues and potential scams.
2. How do authorities track guns on dark web transactions?
Law enforcement uses a combination of cyber forensics, undercover operations, and monitoring of dark web forums and marketplaces to track illegal transactions.
3. What are the consequences of buying guns on dark web?
Legal consequences can include fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record, in addition to risks to personal safety.
Conclusion
The trade of guns on dark web is a complex issue intertwining technology, legality, and safety. For individuals, the risks associated with these transactions far outweigh any perceived benefits. For authorities, the challenge remains to adapt and respond to the evolving landscape of illegal online activities.
