DPD: Man Killed By Detroit Police Carrying Ghost Gun With Glock Switch, Drugs
Understanding the Dark Web and Its Connection to Firearms
- ●Brendan Person, 29, Atlanta, Georgia was previously sentenced to two years and three months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release.
- The author of the study, Dr. Giacomo Persi Paoli, will be presenting his findings at the United Nations on Friday, 26 October, during a lunch time side event.
- Firearms were the top-selling category, with was 339 active listings, roughly 42 percent of the market.
- One proposed method for detecting and quantifying illicit trade volumes is to test econometrically for price changes.
The dark web is known for its anonymity and illicit activities. Among these activities, the sale and distribution of weapons, particularly firearms, have garnered significant attention. The term dark web gun refers to firearms that can be bought or sold in these hidden online marketplaces.
According to ProPublica, a portal specializing in investigative journalism, there are reports of dark web sales of hybrid metal and plastic 3D printed components and kits. These items are said to be extremely durable, with one researcher likening them to standing on a piece of Lego that will not break. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks.
The Armory is the biggest and most well known weapons black market on the Dark. Main products offered by this deep web weapon store are Glock 19 and Walther P Euro Guns. Or darknet market, and this has been a significant attraction to many out there.
ATF, as the Department of Justice bureau is known, is tasked with investigating violations of the laws that govern the sale of firearms. “The current federal legal framework of statutes and regulations governing the buying and selling of firearms does not specifically address the use of the Internet to facilitate these transactions,” the GAO report notes. Before 22 July 2016, when an 18-year-old shot and killed nine people at the Olympia Shopping Centre in Munich, many people may not have imagined that firearms and ammunition could be so easily purchased illegally on the so-called dark web. In fact, many people might not have been aware of this global underground network where weapons are illegally bought and sold anonymously with the click of a mouse.
What is the Dark Web?
The majority of websites that sells services or items will require users to authenticate themselves. It is easier to track their orders or to rate/review sellers and customers. In the opposite case, markets that don’t require authentication generally ask to communicate by email to proceed the order.
This market is open to anyone with the financial means, and the technical knowhow, to connect to the dark web. Terrorists, criminals, even children can conduct these illegal transactions protected by the veil of anonymity offered by the dark web, from the safety of their homes, and without requiring any prior connections to suppliers. The dark web is an enabler for the circulation of illegal weapons already on the black market, as well as a potential source of diversion for legally owned weapons. 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. In January 2020, law enforcement entered his house with a warrant and seized guns, ammunition and $2,400 of cash. A complaint filed on August 6 shows that, as a convicted felon, Coughlin should not have been able to purchase the weapons.
Practically overnight, ‘dark web’ was transformed into a household term, and its implications for criminality, including arms trafficking, became the topic du jour for policymakers, pundits, and journalists. This fascination with the dark web obscures the broader role that the Internet plays in the illicit proliferation of weapons. Online activities related to arms trafficking occur throughout the Internet, including on mainstream websites.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It can only be accessed using specific software, such as Tor. This software allows users to browse anonymously, leading to both legitimate and illegal activities.
The digital good includes the HTML and CSS for scam websites for a number of prominent banks, including detailed administrator panels. These websites could be used by nation states to conduct targeted attacks against financial institutions. The researchers dug into shops, or single-owner websites, using Tor, an anonymising browser popular with dark web users. They employed a scaping tool to track disguised vendors selling firearms, as well as to identify patterns of their operations. The study, produced for Australian Institute of Criminology tracked darknet markets between July and December 2019 and found 2,124 weapons for sale—1,497 handguns, 219 rifles, 41 submachine guns and 34 shotguns.
The first, called the ‘Illicit Small Arms Prices – Transactions’ dataset (iSAP-T), has an observational unit of arm(s) sold in a single transaction. The second, called the ‘Illicit Small Arms Prices – Countries’ dataset (or iSAP-C), derives from the iSAP-T and has the more standard country-year observational unit. This paper describes the methods for data collection, organization, and generation for these datasets, presents some descriptive statistics and graphics, and concludes with a discussion of possible future uses and limitations of the datasets.
How Are Guns Sold on the Dark Web?
The sale of dark web guns usually occurs on clandestine platforms that require special browsers for access. These platforms often utilize cryptocurrencies to maintain anonymity and prevent tracking by authorities.
- Forums and Marketplaces: Various forums and websites serve as marketplaces where individuals can list firearms for sale.
- Cryptocurrency Transactions: Most transactions are done using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, making it hard to trace the purchasers.
- Vendor Ratings: Similar to eBay, vendors are often rated by previous buyers, providing some assurance of legitimacy.
Risks Involved in Purchasing Firearms from the Dark Web
Acquiring a dark web gun poses several risks, including legal repercussions, the potential for scams, and safety concerns.
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing firearms without proper background checks and permits is illegal in most jurisdictions.
- Scams: Many sellers are fraudulent, resulting in financial loss and the possibility of receiving substandard or non-functional weapons.
- Safety Risks: Engaging in these transactions can expose individuals to dangerous situations and criminal elements.
Legal Alternatives and Considerations
For those interested in firearms, it is crucial to consider legal avenues for purchasing guns.
- Licensed Dealers: Always buy from licensed gun dealers who comply with local laws.
- Background Checks: Ensure that any purchase includes necessary background checks to validate the buyer’s identity and eligibility.
- Education and Training: Consider training courses that teach responsible gun ownership and safety practices.
FAQs
Is it legal to buy guns on the dark web?
Generally, purchasing firearms on the dark web is illegal and can lead to serious legal consequences depending on local laws.
How can dark web gun sales be monitored or prevented?
Law enforcement agencies actively monitor dark web activities through undercover operations and advanced tracking technologies. Collaboration with cybersecurity firms is also common to dismantle these networks.
What should I do if I suspect someone is selling guns illegally online?
It is important to report any illegal activities to local law enforcement authorities to ensure public safety.
Conclusion
The concept of a dark web gun underscores the importance of understanding the risks associated with illicit trade. Legal firearms can be purchased safely and responsibly through licensed dealers, avoiding the dangers and ethical implications linked to the dark web.
