Dark Web Bust: FBI Seized Drugs, Firearms, Cash, Gold And $4.5 Million In Cryptocurrency

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced the results of a drug bust on the dark web, which saw nearly 300 kilograms of drugs, 51 firearms, more than $4.5 million worth of cryptocurrency, $2.48 million in cash, and $40,000 worth of gold.

Led by members of the Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (J-CODE) team, Operation SaboTor arrested 61 people and the shutdown of 50 dark web accounts associated with the online criminal activity.

The operation ran from January 11 to March 12, 2019, involving a series of operations all targeting "the opioid epidemic."

Initially targeting the most prolific opioid vendors on the dark web, the operation uncovered even bigger criminal activities to takedown.

This resulted to the J-CODE team in partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department of Defense (DOD).

As many of these markets cross borders, Europol is also a partner of J-CODE, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

The investigation led to the arrest of five suspects in the Los Angeles area in March 2019, believed to be the people behind at least two online drug websites that shipped out an estimated 1,500 parcels each month, said the FBI.

With search warrants carried out on a residence rented by the suspects and two of their vehicles, the J-CODE team found drugs, a loaded gun, mailing supplies, computers, mobile phones, and transaction receipts.

According to Maggie Blanton, special agent, FBI Hi-Tech Organized Crime Unit:

"This is a new and evolving threat, and we found that no one agency can do it alone."

“The FBI may get information from local law enforcement after an overdose or arrest. Through that tip, we can work with our federal partners with the Postal Inspection Service, because so often the drugs are moving through the mail. Our Customs and Border Protection partners are a great resource on understanding trends and preventing drugs from coming into the country from abroad, and our partnership with DEA is critical because of their experience and expertise with drug cases.”

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FBI dark web drug bust
The J-CODE team conducting a search of a residence and vehicle in California in March 2019 (left), and drugs were among the items seized (right)

In an announcement, FBI Director Christopher Wray said that:

“Law enforcement is most effective when we work together, and J-CODE is the global tip of the spear in the fight against online opioid trafficking. 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."

The authorities have launched numerous operations to track down criminal activities involving cryptocurrencies, drugs and firearms on the dark web.

With operations like SaboTor, the FBI aims to make it increasingly difficult if not impossible, for criminals to carry out their illicit activities on the dark side of the web. Also with the authorities adapting to the new technologies, this kind of operation is going to get a lot more frequent.

And considering that the U.S. government is also trying to deanonymize cryptocurrencies, and with the EU regulations making it even harder to obscure identity when buying Bitcoin online, the authorities are getting better in tracking down illegal online transactions using those digital coins.

The FBI and its law enforcement partners had successfully launched attacks to some of the largest and most profitable dark web marketplaces, leading to the authorities in seizing AlphaBay marketplace, for example

According to Catherine De Bolle, Europol Executive Director in an annoucement:

"The [dark web] is not as dark as you think. When you buy or sell illegal goods online, you are not hidden from law enforcement and you are putting yourself in danger."

Further reading: Authorities And The Dark Web's Marketplace Chaos: The Endless War Continues