Firearms 72 Gun Store On Deep Web
Understanding the Phenomenon of Guns on Dark Web
The dark web has become a notorious realm for illegal activities, including the sale of various illicit goods and services. Among these, the trade of guns on dark web platforms has garnered significant attention and concern.
- 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.
- Australians have access to a wide variety of untraceable ‘ghost guns’ online along with a significant market of 3D printed weapon blueprints and kits, according to a new study from The Australian National University (ANU).
- Vendors on the dark web have honed their delivery tactics for weapons over the years through lengthy discussions on forums.
- The full study was conducted by RAND Europe and the University of Manchester, and was funded by the UK Partnership for Conflict, Crime and Security Research (PaCCS) under the Transnational Organised Crime theme.
- The ATF’s Internet Investigations Center, staffed by federal agents, full-on tech specialists, and attorneys, uses the latest technology to identify and provide “actionable intelligence” to ATF field agents.
Activities such as those listed below are commonplace on the Deep Web, with a membership often comprised of in-the-know internet users well-versed in accessing the Deep Web. Citizens living in countries ruled by oppressive regimes often do not have ready access to news, information, and critically important data pertaining to the health and sustainability of society as a collective whole. The Deep Web offers members of society living under oppressive political regimes a relatively safe way to garner crucial information for their own needs, in addition to exporting it out of the country. Since virtual currencies are illegal in India, there is no evidence till now as to whether they are delivering guns as promised in these sites.
The Landscape of Dark Web Firearms Trade
The dark web operates under a veil of anonymity and secrecy, making it a prime environment for the exchange of illegal firearms. Vendors often use cryptocurrency for transactions, providing a layer of protection against law enforcement.
Agents made seven attempts without giving any information to suggest that they were prohibited from owning a gun. In the end, agents acquired an AR-15 semiautomatic, shipped directly to an undercover address, and an Uzi submachine gun. Replying to a question related to illegal sales of guns online by MLAs, Roji.M.John and A.P.Anilkumar, he said that certain advertisements on guns, being spread through social media applications, have also come to the notice of the authorities.
- Accessing Dark Web Markets: Users typically need specific software, such as Tor, to browse sites that are not indexed by conventional search engines.
- Types of Firearms Available: These can range from basic handguns to military-grade weaponry.
- Delivery Challenges: Vendors often face risks when shipping firearms, opting for creative methods to bypass security measures.
Users access dark markets by first downloading and installing a browser called Tor, which masks their identities, allowing users to search in secret. 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.
“I guess the most alarming thing for me was how easy it is,” he said.“It is relatively easy to do. The majority of people who want to buy a gun on the street wouldn’t know where to start unless they have connections to the criminal world. But, the dark web gives almost a real time access to a world wide supply of firearms that are available for people to purchase. “It took me five minutes on Google to find a guide on how to access the dark web.
But it’s easy to see why criminals will simply go to the streets to get the gun. Ironically, the most anonymous way to buy Bitcoin appears to be in person, with cash. Turns out for all the digital advances in the world, when it comes to crime, cash is still king.
The guns referred to in the indictment were Glocks, MAC9s, and a MAC10 and MAC11. They had been converted to fire as automatic weapons like a machine gun, rather than semi-auto. Every day, hundreds of individuals, mostly women and children, disappear into the twilight world of human trafficking. Once in, they become objects of abuse, degradation and sexual commerce. Finding them is difficult because their identities are discarded and they are constantly moved about.
New research investigates guns, explosives and ammunition available in online black markets. “Organized criminal groups often rely on the availability of weapons to carry out their activities; thus, the market for illegal firearms around the world. ATF will aggressively and acutely target any individuals who seek to diminish the general welfare of our communities with illegal firearms trafficking,” said Wayne Dixie, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Atlanta Field Division. As we reported earlier this year, social media manipulation is an increasingly popular trend by nation state actors to conduct disinformation and propaganda campaigns against their adversaries. Accounts on most all prominent social media platforms are readily available for sale across most darknet marketplaces with digital goods. Long-term established accounts with more ‘followers’ and historical influence are more coveted.
The findings were shared exclusively with BleepingComputer, indicating that the sale of guns online is a growing concern for international security. On the other hand, the Darknet has the potential to become the chosen platform for people (e.g. lone-wolves terrorists) or small groups such as gangs to get weapons and ammunition behind the concealed curtain offered by the dark web. This is the most significant part of the entire process and is also challenging. Shipping is an issue as they cannot be just couriered via postal service or by FedEx because the postal service, which was the most, adopted the process of shipping guns, nowadays being monitored by most law enforcement agencies.
Risks of Purchasing Guns on Dark Web
Engaging in the purchase of guns on dark web markets comes with a myriad of risks that can have serious legal and personal consequences. Some of these risks include:
- Legal Repercussions: Buying firearms illegally can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment.
- Scams and Fraud: Many vendors are untrustworthy, and buyers often face the risk of losing their money without receiving their products.
- Law Enforcement Surveillance: Authorities monitor dark web activities, and transactions can easily lead to identification and prosecution.
Why Do People Turn to the Dark Web for Guns?
Several factors drive individuals to seek firearms on the dark web, including:
- Accessibility: Stricter gun regulations in certain jurisdictions have led individuals to seek alternatives.
- Anonymity: The dark web offers a level of privacy that traditional marketplaces do not.
- Perceived Lack of Consequences: Some users believe they can evade law enforcement due to the vague nature of internet laws.
FAQs about Guns on Dark Web
1. Is it illegal to buy guns on the dark web?
Yes, purchasing firearms on the dark web is illegal in most jurisdictions. Engaging in such activities can lead to serious legal consequences.
2. How do transactions occur on these platforms?
Transactions typically involve cryptocurrencies, which provide anonymity. Buyers usually communicate through encrypted messaging systems with the sellers.
3. Are there any legitimate sellers on the dark web?
While some individuals may market themselves as legitimate sellers, the vast majority operate illegally, making it highly risky to engage with them.
4. Can law enforcement track dark web purchases?
Yes, law enforcement agencies employ various techniques to monitor dark web activities and can trace transactions back to users.
Conclusion
The trade of guns on dark web platforms remains a highly risky and illegal practice fraught with potential consequences. Understanding the nature of this underground market can help individuals recognize the dangers and avoid engaging in unlawful activities.
