Police have alleged that a group of friends were running a darknet business that sold cocaine and methamphetamine to over 150 people, generating hundreds of thousands of dollars. The cybercrime squad, formed in 2017, focuses on criminal activity online, particularly on darknet markets where illicit commodities are sold. These markets operate on the dark web, which cannot be accessed through conventional web browsers, keeping the identity of visitors and website owners hidden. Detective Superintendent Matt Craft emphasized the importance of electronic evidence in their investigations, as the darknet is a key source of evidence for criminal activities.
After the arrests, the alleged ringleader Devakumar, along with Sangarathasan and Flora, were charged with various drug-related offences. Devakumar was charged with directing a criminal group and drug supply, while Sangarathasan faced 16 drug supply charges, with police finding drugs under his bed at home. Flora, on the other hand, was charged with participating in a criminal group and drug supply, with allegations of involvement in the distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine. The trio was refused bail, with strict conditions imposed on Flora, including a ban from the internet, drug testing, and daily reporting to the police station. Investigations into where the syndicate allegedly purchased the drugs are ongoing.
Craft highlighted the significance of the bust, noting that the business was growing and establishing a customer base. Despite the belief that anonymity is possible online, law enforcement has evolved to monitor both the darknet and clear net for criminal activities. The focus is on individuals in New South Wales, with constant scanning of these platforms for illegal transactions and activities. The friends involved in the darknet business had other business schemes but were not engaged in full-time meaningful employment, according to Craft. The investigation into their activities revealed a range of prohibited drugs, drug paraphernalia, bitcoin wallets, and electronics.
Craft emphasized the squad’s unique approach to policing, as they spend a significant amount of time chasing criminal activity on darknet markets. These markets are known for selling drugs, firearms, and fraudulent documents, operating on the dark web to maintain anonymity. Visitors and website owners access the dark web through encrypted browsers that hide their true IP addresses, making it difficult for law enforcement to track illegal activities. Craft pointed out that traditional policing involves arresting individuals with weapons, while cybercrime squad members focus on obtaining electronic evidence from seized computers. The individuals arrested in this case were taken to Riverstone Police Station for charging and further investigation into their alleged criminal activities on the darknet.
The trio arrested in this case, who were allegedly running a darknet business selling drugs, were charged with offences related to drug supply and directing a criminal group. Devakumar, Sangarathasan, and Flora were implicated in the distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine, with police seizing prohibited drugs, drug paraphernalia, and electronic devices. Devakumar and Sangarathasan were refused bail, while Flora was granted bail under strict conditions. The investigation revealed that the group had opened a business named Flourish Studios, which they allegedly used as a front for their illicit activities. Despite the efforts of law enforcement to monitor and police both the darknet and clear net, criminal activities continue to thrive on these platforms, requiring ongoing investigations and surveillance to combat illegal transactions and operations.
