Guns On Dark Web

The Armory is just one example of the many online stores that offer guns for sale, often boasting about their global shipping networks and private delivery services to avoid detection. However, this raises concerns about the ease with which people can purchase illegal weapons, adding to the already significant problem of gun violence in many countries.The sale of guns on the dark web is a topic shrouded in mystery and uncertainty. According to Holt, the distribution of firearms on the dark web is like a black hole, much like the sale of illegal drugs and pharmaceuticals. Despite the lack of knowledge about the extent of this illegal trade, it is clear that the use of the dark web allows for individuals to evade laws and regulations surrounding the sale and possession of firearms.

The Underbelly of the Internet: Guns on Dark Web

What this case shows is that although the purchasing of weapons on the dark web may be taking place online, there is always a physical trail that can be picked up by police. The gun serial number, the car used to pick up the weapon, the physical identification of the seller, and, of course, the fingerprints on the gun. The point I’m trying to make is that I had so much business I couldn’t keep track of it all, or anything else for that matter. So when earlier this year a news report came on about a little kid being caught in the crossfire of some baddies, and that the police had traced the weapons being used to having been sold from the dark web, it never even registered on my radar.

Criminals are using the darker corners of the internet, hard-to-track digital currency and creative shipping techniques to sell illicit guns to Canadians, the RCMP warns. In most of the cases, the potential seller refused to complete the sale. Upon hearing from the undercover agent that they were not legally allowed to own the gun, another third of sellers wouldn’t sell. The agents themselves got scammed by others that took the money and never delivered.

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.

The dark web serves as a hidden part of the internet, accessible only through specialized software like Tor. Its anonymity attracts various illicit activities, including the trade of guns on dark web. This article delves into the complexities and implications of this underground market.

The Dark Web and Its Appeal

The dark web operates on the fringes of the internet, providing users with privacy and anonymity. This environment is appealing for several reasons:

• Privacy: Users can perform activities without revealing their identity.
• Access to Restricted Goods: It serves as a marketplace for items that are illegal or heavily regulated.

While the listings appear genuine and the offered weapons are priced realistically, the chances of them being created by pro-Russian actors for propaganda purposes are high. Supposedly, these weapons were somehow put aside from the received supplies and are now being made available to terrorists looking to buy rocket launchers and other high-impact attack systems. The researchers say hybrid metal and plastic 3D printed components and kits are also up for sale online. “The sellers were very clear about how the transaction would go, which underscored the need for consistent secrecy. Some profile names indicated that they operated out of Europe, but there’s little else to tell about who these people are,” Holt informed. “What I found most surprising was that most of what we saw wasn’t rifles of military-grade weapons,” Holt said.

• Global Reach: Transactions can occur across borders, often evading local laws.

The most common categories were handguns (70.5 per cent), followed by rifles (10.3 per cent), ammunition (3.7 per cent), submachine guns (1.9 per cent), explosives (1.7 per cent), shotguns (1.6 per cent) and accessories (1.1per cent). Digital products (5.3 per cent), CBRN (0.64 per cent) and miscellaneous weapons (3.3 per cent) were only listed on omnibus markets. “We know so little about the distribution of firearms sold on the Dark Web that it’s kind of a black hole, similar to illicit pharmaceuticals and narcotics. We know people buy them online, but we don’t know to what extent,” said Thomas Holt, Professor of criminal justice and co-author of the research.

Why Guns on Dark Web Are Popular

The sale of guns on dark web can be attributed to a combination of factors:

• No users have left a review yet, but the site’s statistics suggest that 32 complete purchases have been made.
• It should be noted that the views expressed in this article solely belong to the author and not the World Economic Forum.
• A gun bought from the dark web was used in a terrorist attack in Munich in 2016.

• Ease of Purchase: Guns can be bought with minimal verification and often with cryptocurrencies.
• Lack of Regulation: Unlike conventional gun shops, dark web vendors navigate around legal restrictions.
• Variety: Buyers can find different types of firearms, including rare and collectible items.

The Buying Process

Acquiring guns on dark web typically involves several steps:

From Other Local News Sites

1. Accessing the Dark Web: Users must download Tor or similar software and locate marketplaces offering firearms.
2. Creating a Reputation: Many sellers and buyers rely on feedback systems to assess trustworthiness.
3. Making Payments: Transactions often require cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, enhancing anonymity.
4. Arranging Delivery: Buyers may use discreet packaging and include fake addresses to avoid detection.

Risks of Buying Guns on Dark Web

While the dark web provides an avenue for purchasing firearms, numerous risks accompany such transactions:

• Legal Consequences: Buyers risk arrest and prosecution for illegal weapon possession.
• Fraud: Many buyers fall victim to scams, receiving counterfeit or non-functional weapons.
• Safety Risks: Transactions can lead to dangerous situations, including violence or robbery.

FAQs About Guns on Dark Web

1. Is it legal to buy guns on the dark web?

Purchasing firearms on the dark web is illegal in many jurisdictions, as it often bypasses regulations and background checks. Buyers face significant legal risks.

2. How do sellers avoid getting caught?

Sellers often use anonymous cryptocurrencies, fake identities, and sophisticated shipping methods. Despite these precautions, law enforcement agencies actively monitor dark web activities.

3. Are the guns sold online reliable?

Many of the firearms sold on the dark web may be of questionable quality. Buyers should be aware of the potential for receiving defective or unsafe products.

4. What should I do if I encounter illegal trafficking?

If you encounter any suspicious activities related to firearms or drugs, you should report them to local law enforcement or the relevant authorities.

Conclusion

The presence of guns on dark web raises critical ethical and legal questions. While the allure of anonymity draws individuals to participate in this market, the overwhelming risks and potential legal consequences serve as a stark reminder of the dark realities of the internet’s hidden corners.