Police recently arrested three friends who were running a darknet business that reportedly generated hundreds of thousands of dollars by selling cocaine and methamphetamine to around 150 people. The cybercrime squad, led by Detective Superintendent Matt Craft, was formed in 2017 to combat the rise of criminal activity online, particularly on darknet markets. These markets operate on the dark web, where illicit commodities like drugs, firearms, and fraudulent documents are sold or brokered. The dark web is accessed through encrypted browsers that hide users’ identities and IP addresses.
The squad focuses on gathering electronic evidence during investigations, as opposed to traditional policing methods. All three arrested men were taken to Riverstone Police Station, where the alleged ringleader named Devakumar was charged with directing a criminal group and drug supply. Another suspect, Sangarathasan, was charged with multiple drug supply offenses, and ice was reportedly found under his bed. The third suspect, Flora, was charged with participating in a criminal group and drug supply, with police seizing a vehicle allegedly involved in the distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine.
Devakumar and Sangarathasan were refused bail, while Flora was granted bail with strict conditions, including a ban from the internet and daily reporting to the police station. The trio had recently opened a business together named Flourish Studios, which claimed to “ignite your brand’s digital utopia” on its Instagram page. However, police discovered that they were not engaged in full-time meaningful employment while running their darknet business. Craft emphasized the evolving nature of law enforcement in tracking down individuals on the dark web and clear net, focusing primarily on those in New South Wales.
The significance of this bust lies in the growth of the alleged criminal enterprise, with the suspects reportedly building a customer base as their business expanded. Craft warned that despite the belief of remaining anonymous online, law enforcement agencies have evolved their tactics to monitor and police activities on both the darknet and clear net. Investigations are ongoing to determine the sources from which the syndicate allegedly purchased the drugs. The squad’s approach to tackling cybercrime differs from traditional policing methods, as they prioritize gathering electronic evidence to build a strong case against suspects involved in criminal activities online.
Craft highlighted the need for law enforcement to adapt to criminal activities in the digital age, particularly on the dark web where illegal transactions and communications take place out of sight. The arrested individuals in this case were found to be operating a lucrative darknet business, selling drugs to a significant number of customers. With the rise of cybercrime, specialized squads like the cybercrime squad play a crucial role in tracking down and apprehending individuals involved in illegal activities online. The investigation into this darknet syndicate serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat digital crime and protect the community from the dangers associated with illicit online activities.
