The GAO report shows undercover agents were able to buy a fully automatic Uzi submachine gun anonymously without any kind of background check on the dark web. Researchers found that firearms and related goods generated 136 sales per month and a monthly revenue of $80,000 (£62,000). Those selling the illicit weapons often disassembled and sent them in different packages or embedded them in old stereos or printers, the report found. Criminals and terrorists are using the so-called dark net to buy weapons, a new study has suggested.
Beyond that, you should consider who you are purchasing from and how they support their clients. Though the platform has an entirely automated order process, It also displays several comments and sales for previous sales. Additionally, the judge said that Handley “conducted business on the dark web” and had email accounts linked to three dark web sites using false identification. Those fake ID’s and the ability to obtain them, the judge surmised, could translate to a flight risk for Handley. A Homer man was indicted Wednesday for 15 counts, all relating to shipping nine modified firearms from his home in Homer, Alaska to New York.
There are a lot of red lights and hurdles to go through when buying guns online, which is why police say it’s not a major source of guns on city streets. Let’s face it, buyers could transfer all their money and get nothing in return. Their only recourse for non-delivery would be a bad review, but that’s it. Alongside decommissioned military weapons, ammunition and fake weapon advertisements by various law enforcement agencies, 3D printed weapon kits and blueprints are also an emerging online product. As the debate over gun regulations rages globally, researchers now report that the Dark Web has become a big market for weapons trade.
The Presence of Guns on Dark Web
The dark web, a part of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines, has become a notorious marketplace for illicit goods, including guns. This hidden realm operates on anonymity, making it appealing for those looking to procure weapons without detection.
Understanding the Dark Web
You’d think that would be easy, but Canada Post requires government issued ID to rent a box, which means there’s still no anonymity. Even if you somehow acquired a very convincing fake ID, Canada Post could verify the address and if they caught on, would alert the police. Criminals likely wouldn’t want their exploits ended by a keen eye at the local drug store’s mail kiosk. Weapons such as these can be bought legally in the US, and in some other countries, at similar prices, suggesting the dark web customers aren’t able to buy guns legally in their country, or don’t want to be identified even if it is legal. When Thomas Holt from Michigan State University and colleagues started looking into these underground operations, they found that 64% of the products advertised were handguns, 17% were semi-automatic long guns, and only 4% were fully automatic long guns. Regular pistols are being turned into fully automatic machine guns using a small attachment called a “conversion switch.” Many are even 3D printing them using instructions from the dark web.
Before delving into the specifics of guns on dark web, it is crucial to understand what the dark web is:
But until now it was believed gun sales were mostly a step too far for buyers and sellers who frequented them. Fears are growing that the darknet could become the platform of choice for criminal gangs or terrorists seeking to obtain firearms and ammunition. Due to the anonymity it provides, the darknet is presenting a new and extremely difficult challenge for governments and law enforcement agencies across the globe. The RAND report recommends the adaptation of new intervention strategies, the development of specialist skills and the introduction of proper regulatory frameworks to clamp down on this new and obscure platform for selling illegal firearms. This shadowy and obscure corner of the internet is often used by ordinary citizens and whistleblowers to protect their privacy rights.
We handed over an envelope of cash and with a few swipes and keystrokes, I had Bitcoin on my phone. He knew the little corners of the dark web to search for the items we wanted, and he got me there. “The sellers were very clear about how the transaction would go, which underscored the need for consistent secrecy,” says Holt. Rick Ector is a gun rights activist and works with the NRA’s board of directors. “Obviously, with these mechanisms I’ve seen them, the rate of the gun being altered to shoot rounds in like two seconds,” Stansbury said. “So, if you think about that, that’s a lot of rounds potentially hitting things.”
Freedom Hosting II’s fate was sealed when it was accused of hosting child pornography sites. An activist or activist group hacked Freedom Hosting II, and the site crashed in a short time, taking over ten thousand hosted websites with it. Deep Web and Dark Web are understood by many to be interchangeable terms that both describe a host of illicit online activities. However, this is untrue and many activists have fought to stop the tandem use of the terms and to bring to light the distinct ways in which each concept exists in the online world today. Business Insider recently reported the story of entrepreneurial-minded individuals using printing technology to create counterfeit money, card skimmer apparatuses and more.
- The dark web is accessible only through specialized software, such as Tor.
- Transactions are often conducted using cryptocurrencies to ensure anonymity.
- It hosts a wide range of illegal activities, including drug trafficking, identity theft, and arms dealing.
Types of Weapons Available
Within the confines of the dark web, various types of firearms can be found:
- Handguns – Compact and easily concealable, these are popular choices among buyers.
- Rifles – More powerful and longer-range weapons typically used for hunting or military-style applications.
- Shotguns – Often sought for home defense due to their wide shot spread.
- Magazine modifications – Custom parts that allow firearms to hold more ammunition.
- Non-firearm weapons – Items such as stun guns or high-capacity magazines are also available.
- However, some argue that the dark web has also made it easier for individuals in countries with strict gun laws to purchase firearms for self-defense purposes.
- Law enforcement agencies can be regularly found on Tor, as well as “hacktivism” groups various governmental agencies, whistleblowers, and informants.
- Selling miniature, pocket-sized electromagnetic pulse generator devices are a popular market on the Dark Web in China.
- It points out, however, that one or two weapons in the wrong people’s hands can cause “severe consequences.”
- Additionally, many of the marketplaces offer a form of payment protection, where the customer initially pays the marketplace and then indicates that the money can be released when the goods arrive intact.
Risks of Purchasing Guns on Dark Web
Despite the allure of anonymity, buying guns on dark web poses significant risks:
- Legal Consequences – Purchasing firearms illegally can lead to severe legal repercussions, including imprisonment.
- Scams – Many vendors on the dark web are fraudulent, taking payment without delivering the promised item.
- Lack of Quality Assurance – Weapons bought may be poorly made or malfunctioning, posing serious safety risks.
- Tracking and Surveillance – Law enforcement agencies actively monitor dark web activities, and transactions can be traced back to individuals.
How to Protect Yourself When Exploring the Dark Web
For those who choose to navigate the dark web, whether for legitimate reasons or curiosity, consider the following safety precautions:
- Use a VPN to mask your IP address.
- Engage only in legal activities.
- Be wary of sharing any personal information.
- Do thorough research on vendors and products.
- Understand the laws pertaining to firearms in your jurisdiction.
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FAQs About Guns on Dark Web
Q: Is it legal to buy guns on the dark web?
A: No, purchasing firearms through unregulated sources is illegal in most jurisdictions.
Q: How do transactions occur on the dark web?
A: Transactions typically utilize cryptocurrencies to maintain anonymity, and many vendors rely on escrow services to protect both parties.
Q: Can law enforcement trace dark web purchases?
A: Yes, although challenging, law enforcement employs various methods to track illegal purchases.
Q: What are the common payment methods for guns on the dark web?
A: Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are the most common payment methods due to their anonymity.
The prevalence of guns on dark web raises significant concerns regarding safety, legality, and the impacts on society. Navigating this dangerous territory requires careful consideration and an understanding of the potential consequences involved.
