FBI Seized $4.5 Million in Crypto on Dark Web for Drug Trafficking

The Federal Bureau of Investigations in the USA has confiscated $ 4.5 Million worth crypto in a recent raid on the dark web. This is linked with the drug organizations to trade for several illegal activities.

According to their website, The Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (J-CODE) team has conducted operation SaboTor. This operation was conducted from Jan 2019 to March 2019 and was targeting drug traffickers and organizations related to drugs on Dark Web.

After the operation they have made 61 arrests, 50 Dark net accounts are closed. And they have recovered $4.5 Million in cryptocurrency, 299.5 kilograms of Drugs, 51 firearms, $2.48 Million in cash and $40,000 in gold.

Several other authorities like FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Defense (DOD) have collaborated with the J-CODE in this operation.

FBI Director Christopher Wray said law enforcement are working together and J-CODE plays the major role to fight against online drug trafficking.

Wray also added that,

“Criminals have always adopted innovations and new technologies to achieve their illicit goals, and it’s our job to adapt and remain ahead of the threat”

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Executive Associate Director Derek Benner said, selling illicit items on the dark web will not be tolerated by the united states. He also mentioned that Operation SaboTor is a message to criminals that they might try any means of technology still the authorities will trace them down.

Last time we had seen, a drug dealer had been arrested by tracking his Bitcoin transactions. Authorities are now planning to use Bitcoin as well as other cryptocurrencies in order to track even more criminals.

Catherine De Bolle Executive Director at Europol said criminals selling in dark web think they can’t be caught buying and selling illegal goods and they are not hidden from the law and they are putting themselves its danger.