US DOJ and Europol Crush Major Dark Web Drug Market Using Monero

The most prominent black market for illicit drugs on the hidden part of the internet, known as Archetyp, has been closed down following police operations. International law enforcement agencies managed to seize a vast amount of information about its staff, suppliers, and customers. Notably, all transactions in this dark web marketplace were carried out using the privacy-focused cryptocurrency Monero (XMR).

1) In the realm of active trading for a span of five years and boasting a grand total of $250 million in transactions, Archetyp stood as an unrivaled colossus within its industry. Meanwhile, dark web drug markets continue to evolve with increasing complexity, yet law enforcement remains steadfast in their efforts to curtail these activities.

The Hunt for Dark Web Crypto Markets

In contrast to the crypto world of 2025, where illegal activities persist, the dark web marketplaces for illicit drugs might appear archaic or remnants from a past era. A significant number of the most prominent sites no longer exist, and Bitcoin wallets that remain active are often considered ancient.

Reflecting on the recent takedown of Archetyp, the globe’s leading darknet drug marketplace, I’m reminded that the illicit trading landscape remains vibrant and dynamic. Despite law enforcement efforts, underground activities persist, emphasizing the need for vigilance in our investment strategies.

Unfortunately, I must confirm that I was apprehended by the Spanish Policía Nacional’s special forces on June 11. This action was taken at the request of the Public Prosecutor General’s office in Germany and with assistance from police forces in the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Romania, the US, as well as Europol and Eurojust.

It’s evident that the strong collaboration among governments reflects their intention to take action against these sites.

As an analyst, I’ve observed that the dark web laundering tools have significantly advanced their sophistication. However, it’s encouraging to note that cross-border operations have shown substantial progress in the past few months. Unfortunately, my organization, Archetyp, has fallen victim to this widespread crackdown on the dark web.

Originally known as “Archetyp,” this clandestine online marketplace, self-proclaimed as a hidden bazaar, was the globe’s leading dark web platform for illicit drugs until recently. Over its five-year tenure, it handled transactions totaling over $250 million in value.

As an analyst, I’ve observed that local enforcement agencies have successfully seized assets totaling approximately $7.8 million, yet the details provided in their press release are somewhat vague. The breakdown of these assets – whether they consist of cryptocurrencies, computer hardware, or narcotics – remains unclear. A more comprehensive disclosure would be beneficial for a better understanding of the nature and extent of the seizure.

Regardless of the circumstances, the police successfully infiltrated Archetyp’s entire dark web ecosystem, reaching all the way from the main programmers to the sellers and purchasers. This intelligence operation was particularly impressive for several key factors.

This platform emphasized robust security measures: Users accessed it solely through the Tor network, communicated using PGP encryption, employed escrow services, and utilized two-factor authentication for both vendors and users. Moreover, its membership was selective; only individuals who received an invitation were allowed to join this particular marketplace.

Most notably, the platform only used Monero instead of Bitcoin to further facilitate user privacy.

Currently, a significant number of Archetype’s key personnel are in custody, and the most prominent illicit drug market on the deep web has been shut down. While it’s not uncommon for long-dormant entities to reemerge, five consecutive years of activity is quite remarkable.

In this field, you’ll find the most radical proponents of libertarianism within the crypto world, who have recently experienced a severe setback.

Read More

2025-06-17 21:43