THE TRADE IN TOOLS: THE MARKET FOR ILLICIT GUNS IN HIGH‐RISK NETWORKS
They’re a trendy and popular choice for both gangsters and law enforcement. While some guns are obtained through theft or smuggling, many are legally purchased and then resold online. Shockingly, a study by RAND Corporation found that up to a third of seized firearms in some US areas originated from legal purchases.The anonymity and ease of dark web transactions make it an attractive marketplace for illegal firearms. With the advent of cryptocurrencies, these deals can be conducted without leaving any traceable evidence.Despite the efforts of law enforcement agencies worldwide, the sale of firearms on the dark web persists. As long as there is a demand for illegal weapons, there will be people willing to supply them – even if it means breaking the law. One possible avenue is via the ‘dark web’, which hosts many different online black markets that facilitate the sale of firearms, weapons, explosives and banned digital materials.
Understanding the Presence of Guns on Dark Web
Tor’s weaknesses and drawbacks are widely known through its collective user base. Still yet, the number of Tor users surges each year, as it far and wide considered to be among the most powerful and resilient anonymity sites available online. Tor users aren’t simply defined by dual populations of illicit and licit users, as there are plenty of groups worth mentioning who comprise the user base. Law enforcement agencies can be regularly found on Tor, as well as “hacktivism” groups various governmental agencies, whistleblowers, and informants.
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.
The dark web is often viewed as a hidden part of the internet, accessible only through specific software like Tor. This section of the web presents an array of illicit services, including the alarming availability of guns on dark web marketplaces.
The room was large and dark save for the flicker of a computer screen in the middle. There wasn’t much I could make out, but the space was seemingly empty, from the white light I could tell the wall to my right was covered in a foam latex texturing. Police training needs must be “continually updated” to reflect the rapidly evolving online environment, O’Reilly said. “Conducting online investigations, whether on the darknet or on the surface web, requires a very specific skill set.” “Such currencies present a real challenge for law enforcement because it doesn’t physically reside somewhere, making it hard to trace without special, very expensive software and highly trained personnel to do the work,” O’Reilly said. And, despite the government’s best efforts to destroy this market, analysts say it remains to be seen what kind of long-term impact Uncle Sam is really having.
What Are the Dark Web Marketplaces?
We do business discreetly and anonymously respecting users privacy and security. Shortly after, a man calling himself “Mike” bought the weapon, who also said that he had the goal “of accumulating five hundred guns,” according to the complaint. From here, police checked the plates of the car that “Mike” had driven to pick up the weapon, and were led to Michael Focia. A postal worker who was interviewed also confirmed that a man matching the appearance of Focia had been mailing packages, which were apparently “mother boards” from a UPS store.
He could face up to 15 years in prison, according to local publication Montgomery Advertiser. Unmarked handguns and fully automatic weapons with no wait period or background check appeal to a lot of different clientele. While police have shut down rogue online markets like Silk Road in recent years, others quickly pop up in the deepest realms of cyberspace, O’Reilly recently told a national symposium on gangs and guns. “The fact that international firearms trafficking has reached Kansas shows the power of the Internet,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall.
Dark web marketplaces operate similarly to conventional e-commerce platforms but focus on illegal goods and services. Users can find various products, including:
An investigation by Israeli cyber-intelligence firm Kela has revealed that guns are commonly listed for sale on the dark web, with pistols being the most prevalent type of firearm available. The findings were shared exclusively with BleepingComputer, indicating that the sale of guns online is a growing concern for international security. On the other hand, the Darknet has the potential to become the chosen platform for people (e.g. lone-wolves terrorists) or small groups such as gangs to get weapons and ammunition behind the concealed curtain offered by the dark web. This is the most significant part of the entire process and is also challenging. Shipping is an issue as they cannot be just couriered via postal service or by FedEx because the postal service, which was the most, adopted the process of shipping guns, nowadays being monitored by most law enforcement agencies.
- Firearms – Complete guns, parts, and accessories
- Ammunition – Various types for different firearms
- Silencers – Devices to muffle gunshots
- Gun repairs – Services to fix or modify firearms
Why Do People Turn to the Dark Web for Guns?
There are several reasons individuals seek out guns on dark web platforms:
- Privacy – Anonymity is a key feature that attracts buyers.
- Legal Loopholes – Bypassing regulations in their local areas.
- Accessibility – Hard-to-find or rare weapons may be available.
Risks Involved in Purchasing Guns on Dark Web
Acquiring firearms through the dark web carries significant risks:
- Legal Consequences – Engaging in illegal purchases can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment.
- Scams – Many transactions result in lost funds with no goods provided.
- Quality Concerns – There is no assurance of the product’s condition or functionality.
How Transactions Work
The buying process usually involves several steps:
- Accessing the Marketplace – Entering specific URLs through Tor.
- Profiles and Reputation – Evaluating sellers based on feedback and reviews.
- Payment Methods – Most transactions use cryptocurrencies for anonymity.
- Shipping and Delivery – Understanding how and where items will be sent.
FAQs about Guns on Dark Web
1. Are all guns available on the dark web illegal?
While some might legally possess certain firearms, many listings breach local laws. It’s essential to research the legality in your region.
2. How can users protect themselves while browsing?
- One such attack was the 2016 Munich shopping mall shooting, in which a lone gunman with no connections to terrorist groups killed nine people and injured 36 others.
- ANU research priorities address the challenges facing Australia and the world.
- ATF, as the Department of Justice bureau is known, is tasked with investigating violations of the laws that govern the sale of firearms.
Using a VPN alongside Tor can enhance privacy, but it doesn’t eliminate legal risks associated with illegal purchases.
3. Is it safe to buy anything from the dark web?
Purchasing from the dark web is inherently risky, both from a legal and a personal safety perspective. Caution is always advised.
4. Are there law enforcement operations focused on dark web gun sales?
Yes, law enforcement agencies globally are increasingly targeting illegal activities on the dark web, including firearms trafficking.
Conclusion
The presence of guns on dark web raises ethical, legal, and safety concerns. While the allure of anonymity may attract buyers, the potential consequences make it a perilous endeavor. Understanding the risks and remaining informed is crucial in navigating this murky part of the internet.
